Paedophile jailed for 15 years for ‘devastating’ abuse of girls

Two girls who were abused by a 43-year-old man when they were aged nine and 12 have spoken of the severe trauma he caused them as he was jailed.

Paul English, of Horn Hill, Lowestoft, caused “devastating” psychological harm to the girls and was jailed for 15 years at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday.

English was found guilty on 11 counts (Image: Suffolk Police)

English was previously found guilty of 11 counts relating to sexual activity with a child and sexual assault of a child.

One of the girls who read out her personal statement in court said: “I was trapped knowing what had happened to me but did not feel able to speak about it as no one would have understood.

“I struggled to shower because I could feel his hands all over my body. I couldn’t go out on my own because I was scared, I would see him if I did."

She added: “I would wake up hoping it had not happened, but I realised it would.

“I hate people shouting because some days it brings me back to him.

“I had trouble with my mental health and I’m now going to therapy.”

The other victim also read out a statement to the court and said:

“I severely lacked trust in those around me especially men, even now I still struggle with encounters with men.

“I always look over my shoulder.”

The video link screen which English appeared on in court was turned off as the girl said she could not look at him.

She added: “He disgusts me, he took away my childhood. At school I misbehaved, and I think I was acting out because I was angry at the world.

“I developed OCD because I constantly felt dirty after what he had done.

“I experience a lot of panic attacks and I have frequent nightmares.

“I feel relieved now. I hope he isn’t sleeping well in prison. I hope he is scared too.

“He is a liar and now people know the truth.”

Judge David Wilson said English had several previous convictions, including common assault of a child in 2004 and robbery.

A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed on top of the 15-year prison sentence and English can no longer interact with children under 16 unless it is absolutely unavoidable.