PAUL CANT OF GRANTHAM SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN LINCOLNSHIRE

In a deeply distressing case that has shaken the community of Grantham and the surrounding areas, a man named Paul Cant, aged 71, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following his conviction on multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. The court proceedings, held at Lincoln Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct spanning over nine years, from 1984 to 1993, during which Cant subjected his victim to repeated acts of indecency and assault.

Paul Cant, a resident of Shelley Avenue in Grantham, was found guilty of four counts of indecency with a child and six charges of indecent assault. As part of his sentence, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.

The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, spoke out publicly for the first time, sharing the profound impact the abuse has had on her life. Now 37 years old and living near Lincoln, she described her experience as a 'life of hell,' emphasizing how her innocence was stolen during her childhood. She recounted her struggles with trust and her difficulty in forming meaningful relationships, which she attributes directly to the trauma inflicted by Cant.

Her decision to come forward was prompted by a breakdown at work in early 2017, during which she became increasingly concerned about the safety of a young girl who might be at risk due to Cant's unsupervised access. After confiding in a colleague, Lincolnshire Police were contacted, leading to Cant's arrest in late January 2017. The victim expressed relief at finally speaking out, stating that she felt a 'huge sense of relief' after her police interview in February 2017.

She reflected on her long silence, explaining that she had suffered in silence for many years, feeling that her word alone might not be enough to secure justice. She also noted the absence of physical evidence such as DNA, which made her initial fears of disbelief even more daunting. Despite these challenges, she praised the police for their support and thorough investigation, which ultimately led to Cant's conviction.

During her police interview, she was required to recount her experiences in graphic detail, a process she described as extremely difficult. However, she emphasized that the police were understanding and supportive, which helped her to finally confront her past. The emotional toll of reliving her trauma was immense, but she described the moment she left the interview as a turning point—feeling as if she could finally breathe freely for the first time in years.

In her heartfelt message to other victims of abuse, she urged them not to remain silent, reassuring them that their evidence is valuable and that police investigations can uncover additional evidence beyond initial reports. She expressed hope that her case would inspire others to come forward and seek justice, emphasizing that her abuser is now behind bars and that she can begin to move forward with her life.

The case has brought to light the importance of vigilance and support for victims of childhood abuse, and the community of Grantham is reminded of the devastating long-term effects such crimes can have. The court's decision to imprison Paul Cant serves as a stark warning to potential offenders and a source of hope for survivors seeking justice and closure.