MARTYN HUMPHREYS SHOCKS LISKEARD AND PENZANCE WITH SEXUAL OFFENSES AT TRURO CROWN COURT

In a highly charged courtroom scene at Truro Crown Court, 47-year-old Martyn Humphreys faced a tense and emotional response from the public gallery after narrowly avoiding immediate detention. The proceedings centered around allegations of sexual misconduct involving three young girls, which had taken place in the Penzance area over a span of more than four years.

Humphreys, who has been residing in Liskeard while on bail, had previously admitted to four counts of sexual touching and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. These offenses were committed between September 2005 and November 2009, and the victims were not related to him. The charges detailed that Humphreys had assaulted the girls over their clothing, an act that drew significant concern from the court and the public alike.

During the hearing, prosecutor Piers Norsworthy outlined the nature of the offenses, emphasizing the disturbing pattern of abuse and the vulnerability of the young victims. The courtroom was filled with tension as the details emerged, highlighting the gravity of Humphreys' actions in the Penzance region.

Judge Christopher Elwen addressed Humphreys directly, condemning his conduct as 'abominable and inappropriately behaved.' Despite this, the judge acknowledged that Humphreys' decision to accept responsibility and plead guilty spared the victims the ordeal of testifying in court. This consideration appeared to influence the judge's sentencing decision.

Humphreys was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. During this period, he will be under supervision, and any breach could result in immediate imprisonment. Additionally, the court imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts Humphreys from having contact with children under 16 unless supervised by a parent or guardian. As part of the court's measures to protect the community, Humphreys was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next ten years and was required to contribute £1,000 towards prosecution costs.

The public's reaction was palpable, with protests erupting in the gallery as many felt the sentence was insufficient given the nature of the crimes. The case has sparked ongoing discussions about justice and the protection of vulnerable children in the region, particularly in the towns of Liskeard and Penzance, where Humphreys had been living during the time of the offenses.