LEWISHAM BUILDER AND DJ PAUL FRANCIS SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN LEWISHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Lewisham community, Paul Francis, a 46-year-old man known locally as both a part-time builder and a DJ, has been convicted and sentenced for the heinous crimes committed against two young girls. The offences, which involved multiple counts of sexual assault and rape, spanned several years and involved victims who were very young at the time of the attacks.

Paul Francis was brought before Woolwich Crown Court where he received a prison sentence of 13 years on January 6. The court heard that he was responsible for five counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape, crimes that have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families. The two girls, who knew Francis personally, endured these traumatic experiences over an extended period, with the assaults beginning when they were still children.

The police investigation was initiated in September of the previous year after one of the victims confided in a school friend about the abuse. This disclosure prompted authorities to act swiftly. Officers approached the younger girl, who initially was reluctant to speak about what had happened. However, she eventually expressed her ordeal through a handwritten note and a drawing, which detailed the abuse inflicted by Francis.

During police interviews, Francis chose to remain silent, offering no comment on the allegations. Despite his silence, law enforcement proceeded with charges, and he was formally charged on September 14. He later pleaded guilty to the charges on December 2, avoiding a lengthy trial. The court's decision reflects the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims.

Investigations revealed that Paul Francis was employed as an art-time builder and also worked as a DJ, performing at parties and private functions predominantly within the Lewisham area. His dual roles in the community, which often involved close contact with young people, have now been overshadowed by the serious criminal allegations against him. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse in local communities.