PAUL WHEATER FROM THORNABY OSTRACIZED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRL

In July 2018, a disturbing case emerged from Thornaby involving Paul Wheater, a 46-year-old man who became the subject of community outrage and legal proceedings following his conviction for two indecent assaults committed against a young girl during his teenage years.

Wheater, residing on Lanchester Way in Thornaby, was found guilty in Teesside Crown Court of engaging in inappropriate and non-consensual acts with the minor. The court heard that Wheater had placed his hand into the victim’s underwear and also attempted to touch her inappropriately by trying to put his hand down her top. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, provided statements describing the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on her life.

She recounted how, after the case went to court, she faced further abuse through social media, adding to her trauma. The prosecutor, Rupert Doswell, detailed how Wheater had made persistent efforts to coerce the girl into engaging in sexual activity. According to the evidence presented, Wheater had locked her in a room, refusing to let her leave unless she submitted to his demands.

During the trial, the jury found Wheater guilty on two counts of indecent assault. However, they were unable to reach a verdict on a more serious charge of rape, which had also been brought against him. Wheater’s defense argued that the offences did not warrant a custodial sentence and maintained that there was no evidence to suggest he had a sexual interest in children as an adult.

Throughout the hearing, Wheater was observed frequently shaking his head as the evidence was presented. Judge Peter Armstrong, presiding over the case, stated that the maximum sentence he could impose was the same as what was available at the time the offences occurred. After a lengthy period of deliberation, the judge expressed his reluctance to send Wheater to prison.

He also rejected the prosecution’s request for a sexual harm prevention order, which would have imposed restrictions to prevent future offending. Instead, Wheater, who had denied the charges throughout the trial, was sentenced to a community order lasting one year. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work as part of his sentence.

Following the conviction, it was reported that Wheater had been subjected to physical attacks and social ostracism within the Thornaby community, reflecting the community’s strong disapproval of his actions and the impact of his crimes.