COLIN DEARING FROM DAWLISH JAILED FOR HISTORIC ABUSE IN EXETER AND NEWTON ABBOT

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Exeter, Newton Abbot, and Dawlish, retired police officer Colin Dearing has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of two young sisters nearly two decades ago. The allegations, which surfaced after the victims confided in their parents, led to a detailed trial at Exeter Crown Court, revealing disturbing details about the misconduct that took place in the late 1990s.

Colin Dearing, aged 82 and residing on Richmond Place in Dawlish, faced serious charges of indecent assault. The prosecution presented evidence that Dearing had engaged in inappropriate behavior with the two girls, who were between the ages of eight and eleven at the time. The victims, now adults, testified that they were unaware of the extent of the abuse when it occurred, describing themselves as naive and confused during those childhood years. They recounted that Dearing would visit their home in Newton Abbot and, during these visits, would go upstairs alone with them, which was a cause for concern at the time but was not fully understood by the young girls.

During the trial, the girls' parents confronted Dearing with the allegations, and he was unable to deny the accusations. Despite his initial denial, claiming he had never done anything inappropriate and was shocked by the confrontation, the jury found him guilty of all five counts of indecent assault. The charges included three against one girl and two against the other, reflecting the extent of the misconduct.

Judge Mr. Philip Mott, QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Dearing to two years and six months in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting that Dearing’s visits to the girls’ home were welcomed and that he was trusted by the family. The judge stated, “Your visits to their home were welcome and you were trusted. You went upstairs to play with these young girls, leaving other adults downstairs. They did not think anything about that, but all the time you were attracted to young girls and took the opportunity to rub yourself against them. The girls were innocent, confused, and uncomfortable. You may think what you did has not harmed them because you did not undress them or yourself, but behavior of this sort coming from a much older man with a degree of authority can cause deep psychological damage.”

He further highlighted the aggravating factors, including the abuse of trust and the calculated nature of Dearing’s actions, which involved planning and positioning himself to commit these offenses. The court also ordered Dearing to register as a sex offender immediately, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

In his defense, Dearing claimed that he had never engaged in any inappropriate conduct with the children. He described himself as being very overweight at the time, with a 44-inch waist, which he argued would have made any such acts physically impossible. He also expressed shock and remorse over the allegations, stating that he was left speechless when confronted by the victims’ parents.

Colin Dearing’s background includes service with the Metropolitan Police and the Exeter police force, as well as work as a river inspector on the Norfolk Broads and as a removals man with a firm in Bishopsteignton. His varied career did not prevent him from being held accountable for the serious crimes committed decades earlier in Dawlish and Newton Abbot.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for victims of childhood abuse to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed. The community and the legal system continue to take such allegations seriously, ensuring that justice is served and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.