TERENCE PAREMAIN FROM CROWBOROUGH AND HORSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN LEWES

In a case that has spanned over a decade, a 68-year-old man named Terence Paremain, residing on Burdett Road in Crowborough, has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences committed against young individuals in Horsham. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on a recent Friday, marking the culmination of a lengthy investigation and legal process.

Prior to the sentencing, Paremain had entered guilty pleas to multiple charges, including ten counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and five counts of a more grave sexual offence. These charges stem from allegations made by victims over a period of years, with initial claims dating back to 2001. However, at that time, insufficient evidence prevented any prosecution from moving forward. It was only when additional victims came forward in more recent times that the police revisited the case, leading to the charges now before the court.

Prosecutor Philip Meredith explained that one victim confided in his parents about the abuse, while another victim, during a conversation with his partner, suddenly broke down and disclosed the abuse to her, subsequently revealing it to his parents. These disclosures played a crucial role in advancing the case against Paremain.

During the proceedings, Paremain’s legal representative, Mr. Cohen, stated that his client had pleaded guilty once the discrepancies over the exact dates of the offences were clarified. He emphasized that many defendants deny allegations in hopes of creating doubt, but Paremain’s guilty plea demonstrated his acknowledgment of the crimes. Mr. Cohen also highlighted Paremain’s troubled background, noting that he had experienced a deprived upbringing in a series of children’s homes and had himself been subjected to sexual abuse as a child.

Judge Charles Kemp, presiding over the case, addressed the court and emphasized the significance of Paremain’s guilty plea. He acknowledged that although Paremain initially denied the allegations, his admission once the dates were established allowed for a more just sentencing. The judge expressed that this admission spared the victims from the trauma of testifying in court and reliving their experiences. Judge Kemp recognized the courage of the victims, describing them as having shown great bravery in coming forward despite their fears at the time of the abuse.

Furthermore, Judge Kemp reflected on Paremain’s own history as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, describing his case as a tragic story that echoes many similar cases heard in court. He expressed disappointment that someone of Paremain’s age and apparent good character could be revealed as a serial sex offender, underscoring the profound impact of such crimes.

Detective Constable John Hord commented on the case, commending the victims for their bravery and acknowledging the significant impact the offences had on their lives. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to pursuing justice in sexual offence cases, regardless of how many years have passed since the crimes occurred, and emphasized the importance of reporting such offences to ensure accountability.