PAUL ABBINNETT AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN WATERLOOVILLE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Waterlooville, 38-year-old Paul Abbinnett of Oracle Drive was convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a vulnerable young girl. The incident, which took place in 2020, saw Abbinnett attempt to manipulate and seduce the child into engaging in sexual activity, exploiting her extreme vulnerability.

Abbinnett’s actions came to light during a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, where he claimed that his conduct was merely a joke. However, the jury did not accept this defense and found him guilty of one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was acquitted of several other serious charges, including rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, attempted rape of a child under 13, and sexual assault of a child under 13.

The court was informed that Abbinnett had engaged the young girl in sexual acts after sending her explicit messages that encouraged her to perform oral sex on him. Prosecutor Matthew Lawson detailed how Abbinnett instructed her to wait naked for him, taking advantage of her vulnerable state. Evidence presented included short Snapchat videos showing Abbinnett stroking the girl’s breasts, moving his face close to her chest, and rubbing her under a cover.

During the sentencing hearing, the impact of Abbinnett’s actions was emphasized. His defense lawyer, James Caldwell, acknowledged that the fallout from the case had serious repercussions for Abbinnett outside of court. The defendant had lost his job and was at risk of losing his home, and his family members had also been affected by his conviction, which was handed down in July.

Caldwell argued that Abbinnett did not believe the probation report accurately reflected his mental state. However, Judge Michael Bowes KC was unpersuaded, stating that Abbinnett had shown no remorse and maintained his innocence. The judge emphasized that there was nothing sexual in the messages, but made it clear that the intent was for sexual activity to occur, even if it ultimately did not.

The judge described the offense as “serious sexual abuse,” asserting that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate given the gravity of the crime. He pointed out that the jury rejected Abbinnett’s claim that he was just joking or using inappropriate language, noting that his true intention was for sexual activity to take place.

Addressing the impact on the young girl, Judge Bowes remarked that her life had been profoundly affected. “She is undoubtedly very damaged as a result of your conduct. It is to be hoped she will begin to recover,” he said.

Abbinnett was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with the possibility of release halfway through his sentence. A sexual harm prevention order will be imposed at a later date, and his sex offender registration requirements will be indefinite.

The girl attended the court hearing with her family, but her victim impact statement was not read aloud. Following the proceedings, her family issued a statement expressing their feelings. They said, “No sentence would be enough for what he made her suffer, but knowing he is now known for what he is—and that it will stay with him for life on the sex offenders register and some prison time—has made a big difference. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through these difficult times.”

A previous statement from the family described the profound damage caused by Abbinnett, stating, “He took the innocence from a child and turned her life upside down. He controlled and manipulated her, causing immense suffering. She has suffered self-harm, low self-confidence, depression, and anxiety. The scars and trauma will never end.”