PAUL HILTON FROM COLCHESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGE GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Colchester, Paul Hilton, a former art teacher, was sentenced to prison for a series of disturbing sexual assaults committed against two young girls. The incidents, which took place over a span of more than a year, have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, with both teenagers having struggled profoundly with the trauma, even to the point of attempting self-harm.

Hilton, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, held the position of head of art at a school in North Essex. The court proceedings revealed that he had developed a troubling relationship with the two girls, both aged 15, who attended his art classes at different times. The court heard how Hilton’s interactions with the girls escalated into inappropriate and indecent conduct, beginning with an assault in a cupboard within the art department in November 1996. This initial incident was followed by further assaults, which occurred both within the school premises and at Hilton’s residence located on Newcastle Avenue in Colchester.

Prosecutor Amanda Rippon detailed the disturbing pattern of Hilton’s misconduct, emphasizing that he had committed a total of six indecent assaults involving the two victims between November 1996 and March 1998. During the court proceedings, Hilton admitted to these six assaults but denied an additional ten charges related to indecency, which were left unresolved and remain on file.

Judge Ben Pearson, presiding over the case, sentenced Hilton to a total of three years in prison. In addition to his incarceration, Hilton was ordered to be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

The judge expressed deep concern over the emotional toll inflicted on the victims, citing the statements from their mothers as particularly distressing. He noted that the girls had been so profoundly affected that they had threatened to take their own lives, illustrating the devastating impact of Hilton’s actions.

Martyn Zeidman QC, representing Hilton in mitigation, presented character references from colleagues and friends who spoke highly of Hilton’s reputation prior to these events. He acknowledged the profound personal and professional damage caused by Hilton’s misconduct, emphasizing that Hilton, who had dedicated 24 years to teaching, would never be able to return to his role in education. Zeidman also pointed out that Hilton’s initial intent was to provide a quality education, but his actions had completely undermined that goal, leading to his downfall and the destruction of his career.