North Devon Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Sexual Offences Against Vulnerable Victim

A man from North Devon has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offences against a vulnerable victim. Lee Sharp, aged 42, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Monday, with the judge also issuing a six-year extended license and a restraining order. Sharp, residing at Easterly Terrace, Sticklepath, stood trial in August where he pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child, coercive and controlling behavior, and rape. The jury convicted him of all charges, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. The court was told Sharp sexually abused the victim when she was a teenager, knowing she was under the age of consent, and instructed her to stay silent about the abuse. He also raped her as an adult, employing physical and emotional abuse, including restraint and spitting in her face. During the trial, the court heard that he repeatedly referred to her as 'scum of the earth' and told her 'Nobody would want you.' Sharp was summoned to court in 2022 and maintained his innocence throughout the legal process. Investigating officer Sgt Tina Dalton praised the victim for her courage in bringing Sharp to justice, expressing hope that the conviction would encourage other victims to report similar crimes. The court's decision reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the protections afforded to victims of such serious offenses.