PAUL THOMAS AND SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN BASINGSTOKE

A man described by a detective as one of the most heinous offenders has been convicted in Basingstoke of a series of appalling sexual crimes against young girls. Paul Thomas, aged 50 and residing on Western Way in the South Ham area, was found guilty this week of 25 charges related to various sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. These offences included repeated acts of rape, indecent assault, and other sexual misconduct involving four innocent girls, some as young as eight years old at the time of their initial abuse.

The lengthy trial, which lasted for two months at Winchester Crown Court, revealed the extent and severity of Thomas’s crimes. A jury consisting of seven men and four women deliberated on the evidence presented before reaching a verdict that condemned him for his actions. Thomas faced 31 charges altogether, of which he was convicted on 25 counts. A total of six charges, including an indecent assault on a boy, were found not proven, leading to his conviction on the majority of allegations.

Alongside Thomas, another defendant, Jerry Lee Howe, aged 40 from Dunnyshop Avenue in Accrington, Lancashire, was also convicted on three charges, including a count of rape involving one of the girls. Howe, like Thomas, had denied all allegations, but the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of the charges he faced.

The timeline of these heinous crimes stretched across approximately 15 years, starting from the mid-1990s and culminating in 2010 when the first victim reported the abuse to Hampshire Constabulary. The victims, who were physically abused at different times and in various locations, endured a traumatic ordeal that lasted for many years, often without detection.

During the trial, the prosecuting counsel, Kerry Maylin, emphasized the innocence of the victims, stating: “The victims were, the Crown say, sexually abused. They were children and some of them very young.” One victim gave evidence revealing how Thomas would offer her cash and cigarettes after abusing her when she was just 14 years old. Despite giving her testimony behind a screen in the courtroom, her evidence was obtained from a series of recorded police interviews, highlighting the courage it took for her to come forward.

One particular victim recounted that she only fully realized she had been abused when she entered into a relationship with someone her own age and confided in him about her past. Her testimony was critical in establishing the pattern of abuse and Thomas's involvement.

The court heard that Thomas was guilty of multiple counts of rape—specifically, two counts involving one girl at ages 13 and 14—as well as additional charges of indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, and indecency with a child. Judge Andrew Barnett, who presided over the case, emphasized the seriousness of the matter and informed Thomas that his sentencing would be scheduled for January 29. The judge cautioned him: “Be under no illusion when the matter comes back, you must prepare yourself for a prison sentence of some considerable length.”

The investigation leading to these convictions was spearheaded by Detective Inspector Scott Clarke from Hampshire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team. Over a period of two years, the team meticulously gathered evidence, and their efforts were instrumental in bringing both Thomas and Howe to justice. Detecting and securing convictions for such crimes was seen as a testament to the bravery of the victims, who endured shame and fear to tell their stories.

Following the verdicts, Detective Inspector Clarke praised the victims’ courage, remarking: “These men systematically abused and degraded children to the point where their victims felt their ordeal was just a part of growing up. It is down to the courage of the victims that these most evil of offenders have been brought to justice. I only hope that with the ordeal that ruined their childhoods finally over, these people can begin to rebuild their lives and enjoy their first Christmas free from fear.”

The case has also prompted a wider review of safeguarding protocols. As part of the ongoing safeguarding efforts, the case has been referred to the Hampshire Safeguarding Children Board. Clare Chamberlain, the independent chair of the board, commented: “Even though the majority of these crimes appear to have taken place many years ago, we are keen to establish the facts about this case and ensure that frontline practice and management across all agencies is able to learn from and deal effectively with these complex abuse cases.”

At the time of sentencing, Thomas remained in custody and was found not guilty of six additional counts, including an indecent assault on a boy. Likewise, Howe was acquitted of three charges involving two girls. Two other men, Timothy Pittway, aged 49, and Paul Flynn, aged 30, both from Bath Road, Reading, faced similar charges but were found not guilty after their trial.

This case underscores the long-lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of ongoing vigilance and justice for victims. The community in Basingstoke has been reminded of the vital role played by law enforcement and judicial systems in safeguarding children and punishing those who violate their trust.