PAUL HURRELL FROM SOUTH CERNEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL

In August 2019, a man from South Cerney named Paul Hurrell was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed against a young girl. Hurrell, aged 72 and residing at The Leonards in South Cerney, pleaded guilty to seven separate counts of sexual abuse spanning a period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012.

During the proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim confided in her friends about the abuse she endured at the hands of Hurrell. Following her disclosure, a group of her friends confronted Hurrell, who then made some partial admissions regarding his actions. The court heard detailed accounts from the prosecution, led by Christopher Smyth, about the nature of the abuse.

Smyth explained that the abuse reportedly began when the girl was suffering from a stomach ache and Hurrell offered to comfort her by stroking her stomach. However, this gesture soon escalated into inappropriate touching. Hurrell then told her that what he was doing was 'naughty' and warned her not to tell anyone. The girl initially believed this was an isolated incident. Unfortunately, the abuse continued, and a month later, Hurrell subjected her to further inappropriate acts, even purchasing sex toys for her to use.

The victim confided in a friend about the ongoing abuse, which prompted her friends to confront Hurrell. During this confrontation, Hurrell admitted to touching her, though only partially. The court was told that these traumatic experiences had a profound impact on her mental health. In her victim statement, she described feeling overwhelmed, leading her to leave her family home and live on the streets for a period. She expressed feelings of being trapped, worthless, and powerless, and revealed that she now struggles with physical contact and finds it difficult to express love. She described the events as a horrific chapter in her life that continues to affect her as an adult.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC addressed the court, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim and the grooming behavior exhibited by Hurrell. He acknowledged that Hurrell’s actions had left lasting trauma. The judge noted that Hurrell, who was in his mid-60s at the time of the offenses, exploited the girl’s vulnerability over a period exceeding two years. Hurrell’s conduct included the production of sex toys for the girl and taking advantage of her during a time when she was particularly susceptible.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lawrie described Hurrell’s behavior as causing significant emotional harm to the victim. He pointed out that Hurrell’s guilty plea spared the victim from having to testify in court. Hurrell was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his contact and activities related to sexual offenses.

This case highlights the serious consequences of grooming and sexual abuse, especially when the victim is vulnerable. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of Hurrell’s actions and the lasting impact on the young girl involved.