PAUL TELLING OF EASTBOURNE AND GILLINGHAM SENTENCED FOR MONSTROUS CHILD SEX ABUSE IN KENT

In a harrowing case that has shocked the local communities of Gillingham and Eastbourne, Paul Telling, aged 44, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences took place over several years and involved a disturbing pattern of manipulation, alcohol abuse, and sexual exploitation that Judge Martin Joy described as 'a monstrous regime.'

According to court proceedings, Telling, formerly residing at Trafalgar Court in Gillingham, subjected his young victim to repeated acts of sexual violence starting from when she was just 12 years old. The judge emphasized the severity of the abuse, noting that Telling's actions created a deeply traumatic environment for the girl, who was manipulated into believing that the abuse was normal. Over the course of these years, Telling would frequently supply her with alcohol, rendering her vulnerable and unable to resist his advances.

The court heard that Telling not only raped the girl but also coerced her into participating in sordid games involving sexual dares. These games often involved taking off clothes and walking around naked, with the victim being made to feel that her participation was part of a ritual or game, which she later described as twisted and confusing. Telling's depraved behavior extended further when he encouraged a teenage boy and a 20-year-old man to engage in sexual acts with the intoxicated girl, further compounding the severity of his crimes.

Prosecutor Christopher May detailed how Telling's manipulation extended to paying the girl £20 to keep quiet about what was happening, warning her not to tell anyone, and convincing her that her experiences were normal. The girl eventually confided in her mother about the abuse, describing some of the details as too painful to reveal initially, and also disclosed information to her father. Despite her disclosures, Telling maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and claiming he never had sex with the girl.

Investigating officer DC Ally Smith of Kent Police expressed her relief that justice had been served. She stated, “Telling repeatedly put his victim through a depraved and twisted routine that included plying her with alcohol and taking advantage of her. He had convinced her that what he was doing to her was normal. It took a great deal of courage for her to come forward and report his crimes, and for that I’d like to praise her. Telling is a dangerous and calculating individual and now he has been brought to justice I hope his victim can move forward with her life.”

In addition to the five counts of rape, Telling was convicted of two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, sexual assault, and assault by penetration. The court also heard that Telling, now residing in Barming Close, Eastbourne, was convicted of these multiple offences after a thorough investigation.

The case also involved the arrest and cautioning of a 20-year-old man who was found to have caused or incited the girl to engage in sexual activity. Telling’s sentencing was scheduled for March 22, and he was remanded in custody until then, highlighting the seriousness with which the court viewed his crimes. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the courage required for victims to come forward, especially in cases involving prolonged abuse and manipulation by individuals they trusted.