PAUL HEMMINGS FROM HOLSWORTHY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL IN EXETER

On the 19th of September, a 60-year-old man named Paul Hemmings, hailing from the town of Holsworthy, was formally sentenced to serve nine years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The sentencing took place at Exeter Crown Court, where Hemmings appeared to face the consequences of his actions.

Hemmings was found guilty of nine counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time. The court proceedings revealed that these offenses occurred over a span of approximately three months, during which the victim was subjected to grooming and manipulation by Hemmings. The court heard that Hemmings initially denied the allegations, claiming to detectives that the accusations were 'fictitious' and 'made up.' However, he later changed his plea to guilty during the trial in July, leading to his remand in custody ahead of sentencing.

During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge addressed Hemmings directly, criticizing his attempt to minimize his conduct by blaming the victim. The judge emphasized that Hemmings only expressed remorse for himself, rather than for the harm caused. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated that Hemmings register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Detective Constable Tamsyn Dingley, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “Hemmings exploited a young girl, who he knew was under the age of consent, and he knew what he did was wrong. Hemmings groomed and manipulated the victim, and justice has been served in his conviction.”

She further expressed her support for the victim, saying, “My praise and thoughts remain, as always, with the victim for speaking up and telling us what had happened. I hope that she can now focus on herself and find some closure.”