NEIL DEWAR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN CLAYHIDON AND EXETER

In January 2021, Neil Dewar, a 50-year-old resident of Clayhidon, was sentenced to a total of fifteen years in prison following his conviction for multiple counts of sexual abuse against three young girls. The heinous crimes, which spanned several years, involved Dewar subjecting his victims to a series of sexual assaults driven by his deeply disturbed and 'warped' desires, as detailed during the proceedings at Exeter Crown Court.

According to court records, Dewar admitted to committing 17 separate sexual assaults against children as young as six years old. The disturbing revelations came to light when one of the young victims confided in her parents about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure prompted an investigation by law enforcement authorities, which subsequently uncovered additional victims who came forward to share their experiences.

Prosecutor Mr. Piers Nosworthy explained that the abuse was not isolated but occurred on multiple occasions over an extended period. The court was told that Dewar's offending involved grooming behaviors, aimed at manipulating and controlling his young victims to facilitate the assaults. The repeated nature of the crimes and the use of grooming tactics underscored the severity of Dewar's actions.

Judge Peter Johnson addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact of Dewar's crimes on the victims. He stated, “Your offending has placed enormous strain on your victims who were terrified of the consequences of revealing what you had done. What you’ve done will permanently affect these three young people and you have permanently scarred their childhoods.” The judge also highlighted the repeated nature of the offenses and the manipulative tactics employed by Dewar.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Johnson expressed concern about Dewar’s mental state and dangerousness. He remarked, “In my view, you are presently dangerous and pose a serious risk of further harm.” As part of the sentence, Dewar was given an additional four years on an extended sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

Furthermore, Dewar was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his access to children and aims to prevent any future offenses. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views such offenses and the ongoing risk posed by individuals like Dewar in the community.