In 2024, the Offender Database reported that the Bessacarr Paedophile, Paul Cleary, a former Doncaster deputy headteacher, had been convicted after confessing to a string of child sex crimes against a student at a school where he worked.
Paul Cleary, 58, of Plumpton Gardens, Bessacarr, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and three charges of sexual conduct with a girl aged 13 to 17 – adult abuse of position of trust at Sheffield Crown Court earlier this year.
Paul Cleary was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, by the same court yesterday (July 11). He was also given a 10-year restraining order against his victim and required to sign the sex offenders’ registry for ten years.
Paul Cleary must also complete 100 hours of unpaid labour and 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
His crimes were discovered in October 2021 after a victim’s relative discovered unsettling messages from Cleary on the teenager’s phone.
Paul Cleary was arrested the same month he retired from his position, with detectives collecting his equipment and submitting it for forensic investigation.
This resulted in the finding of inappropriate sexual texts exchanged by Paul Cleary, which mentioned his employment, his victim’s age, and how the “risk made it more appealing”.
The investigating officer in charge of this matter, Hannah Beaumont, said:
“Paul Cleary held a position of trust inside the school and utilised it to target and groom his young victim, harassing her with emails that were sexual in nature.
“In his last communication with the woman, Paul Cleary implored her not to inform anybody about his horrible actions, after previously asking her to erase his messages in order to keep his crimes private.
“His victim was a vulnerable young girl who would have looked up to Paul Cleary as someone she could trust, given his position at the school.
“I want to congratulate her bravery in coming forward and assisting this investigation and conviction, which enabled us to ensure that no other youngsters became his victims.
“Although Paul Cleary had left the school when his offending was found, we collaborated with partner agencies to implement appropriate safeguarding measures to prevent any future contact with his victim, who has been supported by specially qualified officers throughout this process.
“I hope the conclusion of this long-running investigation brings some closure to what must have been a traumatic and upsetting time in this young girl’s life.”
Our dedicated webpage, https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/, provides information on the help available from specialised agencies for persons who have been victims of sexual offences.
Please keep in mind that victims of sexual assaults are automatically allowed lifetime anonymity. Naming them or sharing any information that could lead to their identification is a criminal offence, and we will take action if you do.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.