PAUL RUTH FROM AMESBURY AND PLYMOUTH PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PLYMOUTH

In December 2017, a man identified as Paul Ruth, aged 52, from Finnis Road in Amesbury, Wiltshire, faced serious allegations related to a series of child sex offences that spanned nearly two decades. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred in and around the city of Plymouth, with the earliest allegations dating back to 1991. Ruth appeared at Plymouth Crown Court where he was charged with a total of 26 counts, encompassing a wide range of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Among the charges, Ruth was accused of 19 counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault of a boy under 13 by touching. Additional allegations included one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape, and a single count of committing an act of gross indecency in front of a child under 14. These offences are believed to have taken place over a period from 1991 to 2009, with the crimes allegedly committed in various locations within Plymouth.

During the court proceedings, Ruth stood in the dock and entered guilty pleas to several charges. He admitted to sexual assault on a child under 13 by touching, as well as 12 counts of indecent assault on a male under 16. Furthermore, he pleaded guilty to committing an act of gross indecency in front of a child under 14. However, Ruth maintained his innocence on other counts, pleading not guilty to two counts of sexual assault by touching and seven counts of indecent assault by touching. He also denied the charges of rape and attempted rape, instead pleading guilty to lesser charges of buggery and attempted buggery.

These pleas were accepted by the prosecution, and Ruth is scheduled to stand trial for the remaining serious allegations of rape and attempted rape of boys under 16. The trial date has been set for January 23, 2018, where the court will further examine the evidence and determine the extent of his culpability in these grave offences. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the long period over which the offences are believed to have occurred, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and justice in the region.