PAUL DEVINS FROM HAWICK SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN JEDBURGH

A man identified as Paul Devins, a resident of Hawick, has been sentenced to a prison term of 15 months following his conviction on multiple serious charges related to child sexual exploitation. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his actions involving an 11-year-old girl, which took place during the summer months of 2021.

According to court records, Devins engaged in online communication with the young girl via Instagram, a popular photo and video sharing platform. During these exchanges, he falsely claimed to be 28 years old, when in reality he was 48. His messages were characterized by inappropriate and sexual content, including a graphic image of a penis that he sent to the girl. The court heard that his conversations with her were consistently sexual in nature throughout the period of their contact.

The case came to light when the girl’s mother discovered the chat history, which contained explicit and depraved messages. This discovery prompted an investigation that led to Devins’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. The court was informed that Devins’s misconduct was not limited to online messaging; he also repeatedly asked the girl to undress and to send topless photographs, specifically requesting images from her at his residence on Havelock Place in Hawick and elsewhere between May 14, 2021, and August 23, 2021.

In addition to these allegations, Devins pleaded guilty to several other serious charges. These included causing a child under the age of 13 to view a sexual image, possessing indecent images of children, and taking or allowing the taking of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. The court was also informed that Devins engaged in numerous live chat calls with the girl, although the specifics of these calls remain unknown.

During the sentencing, Sheriff Kevin McCarron emphasized the gravity of Devins’s actions, acknowledging that he had admitted to a very serious offence. The sheriff highlighted the importance of protecting the public, especially young girls, from individuals like Devins. As part of his sentence, Devins was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. He arrived at Jedburgh Sheriff Court with his bag packed, indicating he was prepared for his time in custody.

Overall, the case underscores the ongoing concerns about online grooming and exploitation, and the court’s decision reflects the serious stance taken against such offences in the community.