MARTIN THOMAS BRIXXHAM PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED AFTER SCHOOL DINNER LADY HEARS VICTIM TALKING ABOUT ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Brixham, South Devon, Martin Thomas, a 63-year-old former trawlerman, was sentenced to 19 years in prison following his conviction on multiple sexual offences involving young girls. The case came to light after a vigilant school dinner lady overheard a conversation that ultimately exposed his long history of abuse.

Thomas had lured five young girls, aged between six and ten, into his home under the guise of teaching them about wildlife in his garden pond. His initial approach appeared innocent, but the true nature of his intentions was far from benign. Once the girls were inside his residence, he subjected them to sexual acts, a revelation that has left the community in shock and disbelief. The Exeter Crown Court heard how Thomas’s actions spanned nearly a decade, with his youngest victim now aged 12, and the others, who are now teenagers, giving evidence during the trial.

The case was triggered when a school dinner lady overheard a six-year-old girl talking about male genitalia, which raised her suspicions. Her quick action in reporting her concerns to the school authorities led to a police investigation. Detective Constable Anna Stephens played a crucial role in the case, and her diligent work uncovered additional victims and incidents that had previously gone unreported. Over the course of the investigation, four other instances of abuse involving girls aged six to ten were uncovered, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that had persisted for nearly ten years.

During the trial, the victims, all of whom were visibly distressed, provided their testimonies either via live video links from separate locations or behind screens to protect their identities. The youngest victim, now 12, testified from another building, while the older girls, now teenagers, recounted their experiences with evident emotional pain. Their accounts were strikingly similar, describing how Thomas had taken advantage of their trust and innocence.

Despite denying all allegations, Thomas was found guilty of multiple charges, including the rape of three girls and indecency offences against two others. The court heard that he had targeted girls living nearby his residence on St Marys Road, Brixham. Some victims came forward after reading about his initial court appearance in their local newspaper, which prompted them to speak out.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, sentenced Thomas to 19 years in prison, with an additional six-year extended license. In his sentencing remarks, the judge described the defendant’s conduct as “exceptionally depraved” and highlighted his willingness to take significant risks, including abusing children trusted to him by their parents. The judge emphasized the profound impact on the victims, noting their distress when recounting their experiences and the betrayal they felt.

He further condemned Thomas’s pattern of behavior, stating that his willingness to take enormous risks demonstrated a dangerous propensity for future offending. The judge underscored the importance of protecting the community from such a dangerous individual, especially given the long duration of his offending and the apparent lack of remorse.

Throughout the week-long trial, the victims’ testimonies painted a harrowing picture of abuse. The school dinner lady’s vigilance was instrumental in bringing the case to light, and her actions exemplify the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting in safeguarding children. Thomas, who claimed to have shown only kindness to the girls and insisted he was rarely alone with children, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, the court’s verdict and sentencing reflect the gravity of his crimes and the profound harm inflicted upon his young victims.