WARMINSTER MAN PAUL HOOPER SENTENCED FOR UNDERAGE SEX WITH TEENAGER

In September 2013, a disturbing case emerged from Warminster involving Paul Hooper, a 43-year-old resident of Manor Farm Cottages. Hooper was convicted and subsequently sentenced to four years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The case highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the importance of protecting vulnerable youths from predatory behavior.

According to court records, Hooper had been actively pursuing a 15-year-old girl over social media for several months. He persistently sent her messages, gradually building a rapport that eventually led to a dangerous situation. As the girl approached her 16th birthday, her infatuation with Hooper grew, and he took advantage of her feelings by inviting her out for car rides on two separate occasions. During these outings, the two engaged in sexual activity, an act that would later lead to Hooper’s arrest and conviction.

The young girl, after the events, was overwhelmed with guilt and regret over her involvement with Hooper, who was 27 years her senior. Her emotional turmoil underscored the tragic impact of Hooper’s actions and the manipulation involved in grooming a minor.

Hooper denied the charges, claiming he believed the girl was 16 years old at the time of their encounters. He faced two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of meeting a child after grooming. Despite his assertions, the jury at Swindon Crown Court was not convinced by his defense and found him guilty following a trial that concluded last Friday.

Judge Douglas Field addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. He stated, “This legislation is there to protect young girls and although at the time she was consenting to this sexual activity, what you did was wrong.”

As part of his sentence, Hooper will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. Additionally, he is prohibited from working with children in any capacity, reflecting the court’s commitment to safeguarding minors from potential harm.