A man who groomed and sexually assaulted children 27 years ago has been jailed for five years

Paul Betts (03/08/72) of Hawkley Drive in Hampshire, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 28 April 2023,, where he was sentenced for a variety of offences carried out in 1996 and 1997. He had previously been found guilty at trial of the following:

• Indecent assault of an 11-year-old child between October 1996 and December 1996, and between December 1996 and February 1997
• Indecency with a child under the age of 14, between January 1997 and May 1997
• Four counts of indecent assault of an 11-year-old child between February 1997 and May 1997
• Two counts of indecent assault of a 13-year-old child in July 1997

Betts will now spend five years in prison and will be on the sex offender’s register for life.

The court heard how Betts was a chef working in a restaurant in Gorton, Manchester, when he groomed and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old child on various occasions. Making the youngster believe that they were in relationship, Betts would buy gifts and give her a lot of attention.

Once the interactions were noticed by various people, Betts disappeared and the victim didn’t see him again, but she bravely reported it to GMP and subsequently Devon and Cornwall Police, the area in which he had located to. Other victims have since some forwards.

Detective Constable Lindsay McHugh of Greater Manchester Police said: “This has been an extremely long road to justice for these victims, that has taken five years.

"They have showed immense strength and courage in supporting this prosecution until the very end and without their evidence and that of the witnesses, this predator could not have been brought to justice. 

“These offences were carried out 27 years ago on children as young as 11-years-old. These children are now adults and, whilst this sentence cannot erase what happened to them, we hope that knowing this man is in custody for these abhorrent crimes will go some way to allowing them to begin to heal.

"If you or some you know has been sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available."

-Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 111 555. In an emergency, dial 999.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.