In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Paul Defraine, then 46, of Merthyr Tydfil, was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court. The former supply teacher and local amateur actor was jailed after being found guilty of multiple counts of child rape following a trial where he attempted to portray himself as a “well-respected” member of the community.
The court heard that Paul Defraine initially met his victim, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, when she was invited to a party while still in her school uniform. Defraine subsequently tracked her down on social media to begin a campaign of grooming. During their digital conversations, the girl explicitly informed Defraine of her age and that she was still in school; Defraine replied that he was “ok with that.” He proceeded to send her sexually explicit messages and photographs, stating clearly that he intended to use her for sexual purposes.
The abuse came to light after the victim’s family discovered the explicit messages on her phone. Despite the overwhelming digital evidence, Defraine maintained his innocence throughout a three-day trial, forcing the schoolgirl to relive the trauma of the attacks while giving evidence. In a bizarre defence, Defraine highlighted his “renowned” acting career in local theatre—specifically his role as “Easy D” in a production called The Wizard of Gurnwah—and claimed he had only invited the “tearful” child to his flat for a cup of tea and a chat.
The jury rejected his claims and found him guilty of five counts of child rape. Judge Richard Twomlow stated that Defraine had “lied his way through the entirety” of the trial and showed “absolutely no remorse.” The judge noted that Defraine had exploited the child’s vulnerability, ruined her life, and consequently destroyed his own prospects.
In 2019, Paul Defraine was sentenced to five years in prison. Upon his release, he will be subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which includes a permanent ban on working with children and a prohibition on unsupervised contact with any minor.
Paul Defraine was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. As a former teacher, he is also subject to a lifetime ban from the teaching profession and any regulated activity involving children.
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