Paedophile dies weeks after 21-year jail term

A convicted child sex offender has died behind bars just weeks after beginning a 21-year prison sentence for a catalogue of horrific offences against a young girl spanning almost a decade.

Paul Withnell, 74, from New Radnor, Powys, passed away at HMP Parc in Bridgend on February 5 – less than three weeks after he was locked up on January 16.

The category B prison is operated by private security firm G4S, whose spokesman confirmed the death.

“As with all deaths in custody this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, and the cause of death is for the coroner to determine,” said the G4S spokesman.

The offences

Withnell was found guilty following an eight-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court of a total of 18 sexual offences committed against a girl between 1981 and 1990, when he was aged 30 to 39.

His convictions included four counts of raping a girl aged under 16, six counts of gross indecency with a girl aged under 14, and eight counts of indecent assault of a girl aged under 16.

He had pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs of a child but denied the remaining charges. During the investigation, police discovered 132 nude images of his victim which he had kept for decades – something the judge said left him with “little choice” but to admit that particular offence.

The victim’s words

In a powerful impact statement read to the court, the victim described the lasting damage Withnell’s abuse had caused.

“I’ve been left with lasting trauma and flashbacks. My innocence was ruined far too young and I was forced to live in a world for adults when I was too young.

“My sleep has always been very disrupted and my health has been affected. At times over the years I have become obsessive with my eating and over the last 11 months I have lost a lot of weight.”

Sentencing

Prosecutor Nigel Fryer outlined the extent of the offending during the sentencing hearing. Hywel Davies, representing Withnell, told the court his client had no previous convictions and was in poor health, adding: “It’s questionable whether he will ever be eligible for release.”

Judge Eugene Egan handed down a 21-year sentence, two thirds of which was to be served in custody. He told Withnell: “You caused unspeakable hardship, misery and upset and decades of emotional pain. Not one single shred of remorse has been shown by you.”

Police response

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Christine Beaton praised the courage of the victim in coming forward.

“I want to commend the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward to report these horrendous crimes. I understand that reporting crimes of this nature, particularly many years after they happened, can be especially daunting.

“The dignity and strength shown throughout the course of the investigation is testament to her resilience, bravery and determination to secure justice. Thanks to her support, and the diligent work of the investigation team, Withnell has finally been held to account for his vile actions.

“As Withnell faces his time in prison, I hope the victim in this case can take some solace in today’s outcome as she begins to move forward with her life. I hope this case reassures others that we will always take reports of sexual abuse incredibly seriously, no matter how recent or non-recent they may be.

“If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, please come forward. We are compassionate, capable, and committed to supporting you every step of the way.”