A convicted child sex offender already serving a substantial prison sentence has been handed a further 18-year term for historic sexual offences against two children, following a complex four-year police investigation.
Grotesque Offender Admits Additional Crimes
Paul Tyler, 66, formerly of Scarborough, admitted to eleven additional offences during proceedings at Hull Crown Court. The charges included five counts of rape of a boy under 13, sexual assault of a boy under 13, two counts of causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault of a girl under 13, and assault by penetration of a girl under 13.
Tyler was already serving a 16-year sentence for previous sexual offences against children handed down in 2012. The new sentence means he will remain behind bars for decades to come.
Complex Investigation Unfolds
The investigation began in August 2022 when a man visited Bridlington Police Station and reported that Tyler had raped him multiple times during his childhood. This disclosure triggered what detectives described as a "complex four-year investigation" into non-recent sexual offences.
Detectives from Humberside Police's Protecting Vulnerable People Unit carried out extensive enquiries, gathering witness statements, victim impact statements, and third-party material while liaising with colleagues from other forces including West Yorkshire Police.
Delayed Sentencing Reveals Further Abuse
Although Tyler admitted to the initial charges in December 2024, sentencing was delayed when a woman came forward just one month earlier to disclose non-recent sexual abuse she suffered as a child. This led to additional charges and a more comprehensive case against the offender.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Clare Gascoigne commended the "extraordinary bravery" shown by both victims who came forward to report abuse that occurred many years ago.
Police Praise Victim Courage and Support Services
Following the sentencing, DC Gascoigne emphasised the importance of victim support services in the criminal justice process. She specifically acknowledged The Blue Door service, whose advocacy and specialist support gave both victims confidence to engage with the legal system.
"The role of independent support services such as The Blue Door is crucial in helping victims feel believed, supported and empowered," she stated.
Message to Other Potential Victims
DC Gascoigne used the case to send a clear message to others who may have experienced abuse: "Non-recent child sexual abuse often goes unreported for decades because of feelings of fear, shame, or worries about not being believed. This case demonstrates that we will always take such allegations seriously, regardless of how much time has passed."
She encouraged anyone who has experienced abuse, whether recently or many years ago, to come forward when they feel ready, assuring them they will be "listened to, supported and taken seriously."
The detective concluded by expressing hope that the sentencing outcome would provide some reassurance to the victims that Tyler will remain in prison for the rest of his life, unable to cause further harm to children in the community.
