PAUL BOARDMAN FROM PRESTON SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Preston and brought to light decades of disturbing criminal behavior, Paul Boardman, aged 55, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 22 years for a series of heinous sexual offences. The conviction follows a detailed investigation into his long history of abusing young boys, some of whom he groomed and assaulted over a period spanning nearly forty years.

Boardman’s criminal record dates back to 1976, when he was first convicted of indecently assaulting boys under the age of 14. His past crimes, which include multiple convictions for sexual offences, reveal a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted well into the 1990s. The recent sentencing relates specifically to offences committed at his flat in Ingol, a suburb of Preston, where he engaged in grooming, abusing, and raping boys during that decade.

Judge Richard Mansell QC described Boardman as a “determined, manipulative man with entrenched paedophiliac tendencies,” during the sentencing hearing. The court heard that Boardman, who was then without a fixed address, was responsible for 43 separate sex offences, which included acts of rape, attempted rape, buggery, indecency, and indecent assault. The judge imposed a sentence of 22 years in custody, coupled with an extended license period of eight years. Although Boardman will be eligible to apply for parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, he will need to demonstrate that he no longer poses a danger to the public. Upon release, he will remain on licence for eight years and will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Paul Boardman was a known paedophile long before his recent conviction. He was initially brought to Preston to serve time at HMP Preston for sex offences committed against teenage boys in the 1970s. At that time, the legal framework for monitoring sex offenders was less developed, and he was released back into the community after serving his sentence. It was from his two-bedroom flat in Ingol that he continued to prey on vulnerable children, many of whom were unaware of his past.

Victims of Boardman’s abuse ranged in age from 10 to 16, and many came from troubled backgrounds. Some were teenage runaways, others suffered neglect from alcoholic parents, and some had learning or behavioral difficulties. All of these boys were under 12 when they fell prey to his manipulations. Boardman’s flat was secured behind a locked metal gate, indicating an attempt to conceal his activities, yet he was able to lure and exploit these young boys over an extended period.

In addition to the main offender, other individuals involved in attempts to obstruct justice were convicted. Ryan Shenton, aged 24, of Hoghton Lane, Hoghton, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice. Two women, Marie Blythe, 31, and Natasha Hart, 21, both of Tennyson Mill Court, Preston, admitted to attempting to influence the case by obstructing justice during earlier proceedings. The police, led by Detective Chief Inspector Sue Cawley of Lancashire Police, described Boardman as a “dangerous and prolific offender” who repeatedly targeted young boys with no regard for their age or vulnerability.

Detective Cawley emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Boardman’s crimes, stating that his victims are “scarred for life” emotionally and psychologically. She also expressed her gratitude to the victims for their bravery in coming forward and providing evidence that led to his conviction. The case has highlighted the importance of safeguarding children and the need for vigilance against predators operating within communities like Preston.