PAUL MUSTO FROM DONCASTER AND WEETON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES COMMITTED OVER 40 YEARS AGO

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Paul Musto, a former soldier and resident of Jeffrey Lane in Doncaster, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed against three young girls. The crimes, which took place more than 40 years ago, only recently came to light and resulted in a conviction after a detailed trial at Preston Crown Court.

Paul Musto, aged 63 at the time of sentencing, previously operated the Ship Inn in Lancaster and was also known for running a social club in Thornton-Cleveleys following his military service. His military background includes service in the Gloucestershire Regiment, famously known as the Glosters. The allegations against him involved multiple instances of sexual abuse, including one charge of rape, one charge of attempted rape, and twelve charges of indecent assault. These offences targeted three girls who, at the time, were minors.

The court proceedings revealed that some of the disturbing acts occurred at an address in Weeton, near Preston, adding a geographical context to the case that spanned multiple locations. The trial lasted just over a week, during which the victims, now grown women, bravely recounted their traumatic experiences. Their testimonies were harrowing, and the jury found Musto guilty after hearing detailed accounts of the offences.

One of the victims, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was permitted to give her evidence from behind a screen to shield her from direct view. She expressed feelings of regret and confusion, stating, “By the time I had realised it wasn’t right, it seemed a bit like I should have said something sooner to be believed. Then obviously there’s the consequences of other people finding out or judging me, or actions people might have taken as a result of what had happened.” Her words underscored the lasting impact of the abuse and the courage it took to testify.

Judge Stuart Baker, presiding over the case, sentenced Musto to 18 years in prison. Additionally, he imposed a 12-month extended licence period to follow the completion of the sentence, which will be supervised after Musto’s release. The judge also ordered an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which will prohibit Musto from having any contact with children under the age of 16 once he is released from incarceration. Given his age, Musto is expected to be in his 70s when he becomes eligible for parole, raising concerns about the long-term safety of potential victims.

The case highlights the importance of perseverance in bringing long-ago offenders to justice and underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.