Paul Vaughan (Image: North Wales Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A 76-year-old man who exploited his role as a youth leader to sexually abuse two boys in the 1980s has been given a 15-year prison sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court.
Paul Vaughan, of Emlyn Grove, Rhyl, pleaded guilty to 15 offences committed against the two victims, both of whom were 12 years old when the abuse began.
Previous convictions
Vaughan is already behind bars after being sentenced in 2023 to 20 years and six months for historic sexual offences against two other young boys. Those crimes, committed between 1977 and 1984 during his time as a youth leader in Rhyl, included five counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and given an indefinite ban on working with children and adults.
The offences
The 15 charges Vaughan admitted covered seven counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14, six of indecent assault on a boy under 14, and two of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency. Eight charges related to one victim, who was abused in 1983, while the remaining seven concerned the second victim, abused between 1983 and 1984.
Prosecutor Jemma Gordon told the court that Vaughan had given the boys pornographic material before subjecting them to sexual acts or carrying out sexual acts with them. The abuse took place at Vaughan’s home, while out camping, and at a club.
Victim’s statement
One of the victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, delivered a personal statement in court describing the devastating impact Vaughan’s crimes have had throughout his life. He branded Vaughan “evil” and said the sentence may finally allow him to begin moving forward.
Judge Nicola Jones praised his bravery and urged him: “Don’t let Vaughan’s terrible abuse define your life, he’s not worth it.”
The second victim was not present in court.
Defence mitigation
Patrick Geddes, defending, told the court that Vaughan had entered guilty pleas, was in poor health, and now suffered from dementia. Vaughan also claimed he had been sexually abused as a child himself but was ignored when he attempted to raise it, which he said had affected him.
Sentencing
Judge Jones imposed sentences of seven and a half years for the offences against each victim, to run consecutively, totalling 15 years. Two-thirds of the sentence must be served in custody, with the remainder on licence. Vaughan was also made subject to indefinite notification requirements.
Describing his actions as “vile,” Judge Jones told him: “You were preying on young boys for your own sexual gratification.”
No order was made for costs, statutory surcharge, or compensation, though both victims were directed to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Police response
Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Vaughan said: “Paul Vaughan is a dangerous sexual predator. He used his position to perpetrate offences against victims who trusted him as a figure of authority.
“Thanks to the bravery of previous victims in reporting the instances of abuse, more people have found the courage to come forward resulting in today’s sentence.
“I would ask anyone else who has not already spoken to us, to make contact, safe in the knowledge that you will be listened to.
“As this case demonstrates, we will do everything in our power to pursue offenders and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“I hope today’s sentencing brings further reassurance to the victims and the wider community that Vaughan can no longer spread fear or harm any further.”
