PAUL BRYANT FROM HADDENHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN KING'S LYNN

A man identified as Paul Bryant, a known sex offender from Haddenham, has been handed down a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of serious sexual crimes involving a young girl. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Bryant’s calculated and manipulative behavior aimed at a 12-year-old girl, which ultimately led to his conviction and sentencing.

Paul Bryant, aged 43, was found guilty of multiple charges, including assault by penetration of a child under 13 and two counts of making indecent images of children. The offences took place in the context of a disturbing grooming process that spanned several weeks, during which Bryant engaged in manipulative tactics to exploit the young girl. The court heard that Bryant purchased sex toys to facilitate the abuse and even encouraged her to start taking the contraceptive pill, a clear indication of his intent to manipulate and control her.

The case was heard at Kings Lynn Crown Court, where the prosecution, led by Marc Brown, outlined the extent of Bryant’s premeditated actions. It was emphasized that his grooming was not impulsive but carefully planned, with evidence suggesting that he had devised a strategy at least six weeks prior to the offences. The grooming involved degrading language, as Bryant nicknamed the girl “tiny p****,” and was part of a broader scheme to coerce her into sexual activity over a period of weeks.

Further evidence presented in court included the seizure of Bryant’s phone, which revealed a disturbing pattern of online searches. When police arrested him in March 2024, they discovered that he had searched for terms such as “petite sweetie” and “child model parties,” indicating a disturbing interest in young girls and child exploitation material.

During the trial, a statement was read from the victim, a girl from south Norfolk, who described the lasting impact of Bryant’s actions. She recounted experiencing flashbacks, feelings of sickness, and disgust. To cope with the trauma, she would distract herself by imagining complex math sums during the abuse. Her mother also spoke about the profound effect Bryant’s actions had on her daughter, stating that her childhood innocence had been irreparably lost.

In sentencing Bryant, Judge Andrew Shaw described his conduct as “calculating and manipulative,” emphasizing that there were no mitigating circumstances or signs of remorse. Bryant, who was residing in Haddenham near Ely at the time of the offences, was sentenced to an extended term of 17 years, comprising 11 years in prison followed by six years on licence. The judge also imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, citing Bryant’s ongoing high risk to children.

Detective Constable Donna Read, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the young victim for coming forward. She expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would bring some measure of justice and allow the victim to begin the process of rebuilding her life, knowing that Bryant would remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.