PAUL THATCHER SCARBOROUGH SENT BACK TO JAIL FOR 5 YEARS OVER CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough, Paul Thatcher, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences, has been sentenced to an additional five years behind bars for a series of heinous crimes committed against a young child.

Thatcher, aged 54, faced the court in Stoke-on-Trent, where the severity of his past and present offences was laid bare. It was revealed that he had previously served a six-year prison term in 2000 after being found guilty by a jury of four counts of indecency with a child and five counts of indecent assault. Despite this, another victim came forward only in 2009, bringing new charges against him.

During the trial, Thatcher denied five charges of indecency with a child, two charges of indecent assault, and a charge of buggery. However, in July, a jury acquitted him of the buggery charge but convicted him on the remaining seven counts. The court heard that Thatcher's criminal conduct was both extensive and deeply disturbing.

Ian Brooke, representing Thatcher, argued that his client had already served his time for the offences from 2000. He emphasized that Thatcher had paid his debt to society and had suffered during his incarceration. Mr. Brooke expressed concern about the impact of the new sentence, stating, “He is fearful of what awaits him later today when he returns for similar offences. He will be punished doubly.”

Brooke further explained that Thatcher believed he had put his past behind him, having been released from prison at age 46, and that the chapter of his life involving these crimes was considered closed. He lamented that society had already retribution from Thatcher, but now that the case had reopened, that chapter was being re-examined.

Additionally, Mr. Brooke highlighted the difficulties faced by Thatcher’s wife, who suffers from medical problems and is registered disabled. Her condition means she now has to manage her own visits to the doctor, adding to the personal toll of the case.

Judge Paul Glenn, presiding over the case, explained that the sentence was determined by considering what additional punishment would have been imposed had all the offences been dealt with simultaneously in 2000. Thatcher, who now resides at Chapel Garth, Scarborough, was sentenced to a total of five years in prison. The court also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

While the judge decided against issuing a disqualification order, he expressed confidence that Thatcher was unlikely to commit further offences against children. Addressing Thatcher directly, Judge Glenn stated, “These offences are very serious. The abuse of this victim began when he was about five years old. You caused him and another child to perform sexual acts with each other for your entertainment while you watched them.”

The judge further emphasized the aggravating factors, including the victims’ young age and vulnerability, the prolonged period over which the abuse occurred, the threats Thatcher made to prevent reporting, and the significant impact on the victims. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Thatcher and the importance of vigilant justice in protecting society’s most vulnerable.