PAUL SETCHFIELD FROM CROMER SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT ST LEONARD'S CHILDREN'S HOME IN HORNCHURCH
| Red Rose Database
Cromer Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has spanned decades, Paul Setchfield, aged 64 and residing in Cromer, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of children at the now-defunct St Leonard’s Children’s Home located in Hornchurch. The conviction, which was announced after a lengthy investigation and trial, pertains to 11 counts of indecent assault committed against a young girl and a boy, both under the age of 14, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Setchfield’s heinous actions took place within the confines of the care home, where he served as a house parent between October 1978 and November 1981. The victims, now in their 40s, came forward years later, with the female victim reaching out to police in 2011 after gaining access to her social services records. She recounted that Setchfield had taken her into his bed in the staff “sleep over” room on two separate occasions. Additionally, she revealed that he had driven her to hotels in Kent and Chester, where he sexually assaulted her.
The male victim, also in his 40s, disclosed to authorities in 2013 that he had witnessed the abuse of the girl and that Setchfield had also sexually assaulted him while they both resided at the home. During police interviews conducted in June 2012 and August 2013, Setchfield denied all allegations, choosing to respond with “no comment” to questions posed by investigators. Despite his denials, police were able to gather corroborative evidence and witness testimonies that supported the victims’ claims.
Following the investigation, Setchfield was formally charged in May 2016 with 11 counts of indecent assault against children. His trial, which lasted one week, concluded earlier this month with a guilty verdict. This case marks the third individual associated with St Leonard’s to be convicted of child sexual abuse, highlighting a dark chapter in the history of the institution. The previous offenders, Alan Prescott, the home’s superintendent, and Bill Starling, a former house parent, were both tried and convicted in 2001 for their roles in abusing children at the facility.
St Leonard’s, which operated from 1965 until its closure in 1984, housed up to 30 children in each of its 13 cottages. The home was equipped with a hospital, gym, swimming pool, and church, serving children sent from various London councils. It is estimated that around 3,000 children passed through its doors during its years of operation. Detective Inspector Debbie McCormack of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) Command praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. She emphasized the importance of reporting abuse and assured victims that they would be supported throughout the legal process.
Detective Constable Daniel Stevens commented on Setchfield’s continued denial of responsibility despite overwhelming evidence and testimonies. He noted that it had taken more than 30 years for justice to be served, but that Setchfield has now been held accountable for his actions. The case underscores the systemic failures and the long-lasting impact of abuse at institutions like St Leonard’s, which has become a symbol of the need for vigilance and justice in safeguarding children.
Setchfield’s heinous actions took place within the confines of the care home, where he served as a house parent between October 1978 and November 1981. The victims, now in their 40s, came forward years later, with the female victim reaching out to police in 2011 after gaining access to her social services records. She recounted that Setchfield had taken her into his bed in the staff “sleep over” room on two separate occasions. Additionally, she revealed that he had driven her to hotels in Kent and Chester, where he sexually assaulted her.
The male victim, also in his 40s, disclosed to authorities in 2013 that he had witnessed the abuse of the girl and that Setchfield had also sexually assaulted him while they both resided at the home. During police interviews conducted in June 2012 and August 2013, Setchfield denied all allegations, choosing to respond with “no comment” to questions posed by investigators. Despite his denials, police were able to gather corroborative evidence and witness testimonies that supported the victims’ claims.
Following the investigation, Setchfield was formally charged in May 2016 with 11 counts of indecent assault against children. His trial, which lasted one week, concluded earlier this month with a guilty verdict. This case marks the third individual associated with St Leonard’s to be convicted of child sexual abuse, highlighting a dark chapter in the history of the institution. The previous offenders, Alan Prescott, the home’s superintendent, and Bill Starling, a former house parent, were both tried and convicted in 2001 for their roles in abusing children at the facility.
St Leonard’s, which operated from 1965 until its closure in 1984, housed up to 30 children in each of its 13 cottages. The home was equipped with a hospital, gym, swimming pool, and church, serving children sent from various London councils. It is estimated that around 3,000 children passed through its doors during its years of operation. Detective Inspector Debbie McCormack of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) Command praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. She emphasized the importance of reporting abuse and assured victims that they would be supported throughout the legal process.
Detective Constable Daniel Stevens commented on Setchfield’s continued denial of responsibility despite overwhelming evidence and testimonies. He noted that it had taken more than 30 years for justice to be served, but that Setchfield has now been held accountable for his actions. The case underscores the systemic failures and the long-lasting impact of abuse at institutions like St Leonard’s, which has become a symbol of the need for vigilance and justice in safeguarding children.