PAUL SOUTH FROM LEICESTER SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CAMPAIGN OF RAPE AGAINST TWO GIRLS
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leicester, Paul South, aged 55, of Beatrice Road, Newfoundpool, was found guilty of carrying out a prolonged and heinous series of sexual abuses against two young girls.The abuse spanned several years, beginning when the victims were as young as five years old and continuing until they reached the age of 15.
South’s crimes were particularly disturbing due to the nature of his control and manipulation over the victims.
He started with acts of molestation when one girl was just five and the other was six, gradually escalating to full sexual assault as they grew older.
The severity of his actions increased over time, with one victim being raped at the age of seven and the other at ten.
On one particularly egregious occasion, South assaulted both girls simultaneously—raping one while indecently touching the other—an act that exemplifies the extent of his depravity.
Prosecutor Phillip Gibbs detailed the manipulative tactics South employed, stating, “He told them they would not be believed because they were children.
During what can only be called a campaign of rape, the defendant would tell her she was damaged goods and no one would want her.” These words were part of South’s effort to instill fear and silence in his victims, ensuring his continued control over them.
The abuse only came to light recently, despite the crimes having taken place over many years.
South initially denied all allegations following his arrest in November 2016.
However, as the case progressed, he eventually admitted to multiple charges.
He pleaded guilty to four counts of rape against one girl and three counts against the other, along with seven additional charges of sexual abuse.
During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, emotional testimonies from the victims painted a harrowing picture of the lasting impact of South’s actions.
One victim described her childhood as a “nightmare,” revealing that she turned to smoking, cannabis, and alcohol from the age of 13 and began self-harming to cope with the trauma.
She expressed that South’s abuse robbed her of her childhood and her future, stating, “He not only took my childhood, he also took my future.” The second victim shared her feelings of shame and distrust, saying, “I feel disgusted with myself.
I feel dirty and used.
There are no men that I trust and I feel I never will.” Her words underscored the deep psychological scars left by South’s predatory behavior.
Judge Martin Hurst sentenced South to a total of 28 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his crimes.
In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated, “The corruption of their minds and bodies was total and extreme.
You controlled them by telling them they wouldn’t be believed.
You raped one of your victims while she was trying to keep the baby she was looking after quiet in front of her.
You stole their childhood from them.” He further noted the profound and lasting damage inflicted on the victims, highlighting that both had engaged in self-harm and repressed their traumatic experiences.
The judge concluded that South’s actions caused severe psychological injury, and the sentence reflects the gravity of his offenses and their impact on the victims’ lives.
