PAUL URSELL FROM THORNTON CLEVELEYS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE
In a case that has shocked the local community, pensioner Paul Ursell, a resident of Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, was sentenced to eight years in prison for serious sexual offenses committed nearly two decades ago.The crimes involved a young girl, with the abuse dating back to the early 1990s, and took place in various locations including Ashford.
Ursell, who was a former taxi driver, vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.
However, he did admit to downloading images depicting child abuse from the internet, which played a significant role in the case against him.
The court proceedings revealed that the offenses against the girl, who was a minor at the time, included molestation and an attempted rape.
The victim recounted how Ursell, now aged 69, engaged in inappropriate acts with her when she was very young.
She described how he was unable to have sex with her and allegedly told her he would wait until she was older, a statement that added to the severity of the charges.
It was only in June 2009 that the girl confided in someone about the abuse, prompting her to report the matter to authorities.
Following her disclosure, Ursell was arrested in August of that year.
During the investigation, law enforcement officials seized his computer, which contained disturbing evidence.
The hard drive was found to contain 14 images depicting girls aged between eight and 14 in indecent poses, further implicating him in child exploitation.
Ursell faced multiple charges, including one count of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault, and four counts of indecency with a child.
He denied some of these charges but was ultimately convicted of most, with the exception of one indecent assault and one indecency charge, of which he was acquitted.
Throughout the proceedings, it was noted that Ursell suffers from various medical conditions.
During the sentencing, he appeared unwell and was sick in the dock.
His criminal history includes a previous conviction from 1976 for engaging in underage sex with a 13-year-old girl who was a passenger in his taxi, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior.
Judge David Griffith-Jones QC emphasized that a lengthy prison sentence was necessary, stating, “Nothing less would do.” He condemned Ursell for coaching the victim to keep the abuse a secret, describing it as a manipulative tactic that caused lasting harm.
The judge also highlighted the impact on the victim, who provided a personal statement describing how the abuse stole her innocence and adversely affected her relationships and family life.
Her bravery in coming forward and enduring the trial was acknowledged and commended.
As part of his punishment, Ursell’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register.
Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order has been issued, prohibiting him from having contact with children and from using a computer capable of internet access, aiming to prevent further harm.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.
