TOBIAS PANTER FROM BODMIN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In August 2022, Tobias Panter, a 48-year-old resident of Bodmin, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young victim, leaving lasting psychological scars. The court proceedings revealed that Panter had sexually assaulted a child, an act that has profoundly affected the victim's mental health and well-being.

The case came before Truro Crown Court on Friday, August 12, where a jury found Panter guilty of two separate sex offenses. Despite his conviction, Panter continued to deny the allegations, maintaining his innocence even after the verdict was delivered. The charges included one count of sexual touching and a more severe count of sexual assault, both of which he was found guilty of.

During the trial, a victim personal statement was presented by one of the child's parents, shedding light on the devastating impact of the assaults. The statement detailed that the young girl has been suffering from night terrors and has developed an intense fear of being touched on certain parts of her body since the incident. The parent expressed feelings of guilt and helplessness, stating, "I believed I’ve not protected my daughter as I should have. It’s impacted the whole family. I can’t begin to explain the guilt I felt for not being able to protect my little girl."

Throughout the court proceedings, Panter was supported by his mother and brother, who attended the hearing. He arrived at the court looking almost cheerful, carrying his belongings in packed bags, seemingly expecting a custodial sentence. Although he had pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, he attempted to justify this behavior by claiming he was searching for pictures of his own childhood abuse. This explanation was accepted by Judge Lindford, and no additional penalty was imposed for the possession of images.

Ultimately, Tobias Panter was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison. The court ruled that he must serve at least two-thirds of this sentence behind bars before being eligible for parole. Additionally, due to the gravity of his offenses, an extra year of supervised release on license was mandated, ensuring he remains under legal supervision for a minimum of one year after his release. The sentence reflects the court’s recognition of the severity of the crimes committed and the lasting harm inflicted upon the young victim.