JAMES DEBOYER FROME AND DOBWALLS PENSIONER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGE BOY IN SOMERSET AND CORNWALL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Somerset and Cornwall, a pensioner has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed against a teenage boy over three decades ago. The individual responsible, James Deboyer, aged 70, who was previously a teacher and is now residing at Braeside Park, Dobwalls, Cornwall, was found guilty of ten counts of indecent assault during a trial held at Taunton Crown Court.

Deboyer’s crimes date back to the time when he was in his 40s, during which he engaged in a pattern of abuse targeting a young boy who was between 13 and 15 years old at the time. The victim, who was attending school in Somerset during the period of the assaults, recounted how Deboyer initially befriended him, only to later subject him to repeated acts of sexual misconduct. The court heard that the abuse extended beyond mere contact, including incidents during a school trip where Deboyer touched the boy inappropriately. Furthermore, Deboyer coerced the teenager into lying about his age so he could buy him drinks at pubs, exploiting his position of authority and trust.

The court was informed that Deboyer, a former teacher and tattoo shop owner with a notable interest in bodybuilding, used his physical presence and dominance to exert control over the young victim through fear. This manipulation and intimidation left lasting scars, both emotional and psychological, which the victim detailed in a heartfelt personal statement read aloud in court. He described the profound impact the abuse had on his mental health, stating, “It has left me angry and unable to trust people, especially men,” highlighting the deep and enduring trauma caused by Deboyer’s actions.

During the trial, the victim revealed that the abuse was kept secret for many years. It was only after Deboyer, who had expressed intentions of retiring with his wife to France, told police about the incidents that the truth emerged. The case gained additional attention due to the widespread publicity surrounding Jimmy Savile, a notorious child sex offender, which helped the victim find the courage to come forward and disclose his experiences.

Deboyer, who denied any sexual contact with the victim, claimed that there was no physical intimacy involved. However, the evidence presented in court was compelling enough for the jury to convict him of multiple indecent assaults. The judge, Timothy Rose, emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “It was quite obvious to me the evidence against you was clear and compelling. The offences in question all amount to indecent assaults perpetrated by you against a single victim. They have blighted his emotional and mental well-being.”

As a result of his conviction, Deboyer was sentenced to nine years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender on the Sex Offender Register for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims who come forward after many years of silence.