PAUL PHILPOTT FROM EASTBOURNE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

In a case that has spanned decades and brought to light the enduring scars of childhood abuse, Paul Philpott, a 79-year-old man residing in Eastbourne, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years for serious sexual offenses committed in Tunbridge Wells during the 1960s. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the abuse, which had remained hidden for many years before finally coming to light.

During the sentencing on Tuesday, Philpott’s wife was visibly emotional, sitting in a wheelchair beside the courtroom as the judge delivered the verdict. The court heard that Philpott was convicted in April of four counts of indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault, all relating to incidents that occurred over half a century ago. The jury at Maidstone Crown Court was informed that one of the victims still suffers from flashbacks, illustrating the lasting impact of the abuse.

The victim recounted her traumatic experience of being molested in a dark room, describing the force used by Philpott and her overwhelming sense of fear. She expressed feelings of shame and self-blame, revealing how these memories have haunted her for years. “It was a long time ago and I have had it in a place in my head,” she said. “I was small, helpless. I just get flashbacks of the same thing. I was afraid all the time. It’s not something that I speak about but it’s something constantly with me. Even now when I speak about it, the distress it causes me.”

Philpott, who at the time of the offenses was living in Tunbridge Wells, was first arrested in 2013. He was taken into custody again last year after a second woman came forward with a single allegation of abuse. Throughout the proceedings, Philpott maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing. Prosecutor Nicholas Hall emphasized that despite the passage of time, the allegations were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

The second woman described how she was “enticed” by Philpott as a child, further adding to the disturbing nature of the case. Defense lawyer Jennifer Gray highlighted Philpott’s poor health and his wife’s suffering from strokes, suggesting that the convictions would have a significant emotional impact on her. She also pointed out that the last allegation was made 45 years after the alleged incidents, emphasizing Philpott’s advanced age and the long delay in bringing the case to court.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC addressed the court, describing the offenses as involving oral rape and a sustained campaign of sexual abuse against two young girls. He noted that one of the victims endured a prolonged period of abuse, which involved planning and grooming. The judge acknowledged the severe psychological effects such crimes can have on victims, especially when they are so young.

He stated, “The psychological effects of such offences on such young victims are always likely to be severe. All these offences were committed a very long time ago. They involved planning and grooming. There is only little mitigation. On any view, a custodial term of significant length is demanded.”

As a result of his conviction, Paul Philpott’s name will be permanently listed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. Detective Constable David Turner, the officer leading the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “Paul Philpott sexually abused these very young girls, and they have had to live with the trauma of what had happened well into adult life. This conviction shows that reports made by victims of historic abuse will always be taken seriously, and we hope his prison sentence will encourage other victims of this type of abuse to come forward. Any complaint of this nature will be investigated thoroughly by specialist officers, with victims treated with care and understanding.”

This case underscores the importance of addressing historic abuse allegations and providing justice for victims who have endured unimaginable trauma for decades.