In 2010, the Offender Database recorded that Dean Paul Hill—originally of Weymouth, Dorset—was jailed for 15 years for the systematic rape and sexual abuse of a child. It was reported that the investigation established Hill had targeted a girl starting when she was just seven years old, subjecting her to a “prolonged campaign” of abuse that lasted eight years. A jury found Hill guilty of 14 sexual offences, including five counts of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault by penetration.
The investigation established that Hill’s predatory behaviour extended beyond his primary victim, as he was also convicted of sexually assaulting a woman. The prosecution reported that the decade-long custodial sentence was intended to reflect the “extreme gravity” of his crimes and the significant harm inflicted upon a vulnerable child throughout her formative years. Following his conviction, Hill was placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to indefinite notification requirements.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Hill’s offences involved a high level of breach of trust and calculated predation. The investigation established that the victim was subjected to various forms of indecency and incitement to sexual activity starting at a primary-school age. The prosecution reported that Hill showed a “callous disregard” for the welfare of his victims, leading to a significant prison term and mandatory lifetime monitoring to ensure public protection.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with the 15-year sentence in 2010. For his actions in Weymouth and the surrounding areas, Hill was classified as a high-risk offender. The judge noted that the systematic nature of the abuse against a seven-year-old girl identified Hill as a persistent danger who required statutory oversight for the remainder of his life to prevent further contact with children or vulnerable individuals.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Dorset and Northamptonshire, the status of Dean Paul Hill as of April 8, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (Served custodial term; sentenced 2010; released on licence circa 2018-2020).
- Alias Information: Now using the name Ben Woods.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Strictly prohibiting contact with children and requiring disclosure of all name changes).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Rape; Indecent assault; Sexual assault by penetration; 14 total counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Dorchester Crown Court; investigated by Dorset Police.
- Criminal Record: Abused a girl from the age of 7 to 15; Convicted of 5 counts of rape; Convicted of assaulting a woman.
- Origin: Weymouth, Dorset; currently believed to be in Northampton.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hill, now operating as Ben Woods, is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Northampton area following his release. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically the “prolonged and systematic” rape of a primary-school-aged child—his management is a priority for the Northamptonshire Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his use of a new identity and an active Facebook account are matters of statutory record and are subject to the conditions of his lifetime notification requirements.
As a registered sex offender for life, the defendant’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Hill is legally required to notify the police of any name change, his current address, and any social media handles he uses. Any failure to disclose his alias to police, any unmonitored contact with minors, or any residence in Northampton or elsewhere without police notification will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of prolific and violent sexual offending.
QUESTION – Given that the offender has changed his name to “Ben Woods” and has an active Facebook account, do you believe that “Public Notification” of a name change should be a mandatory condition for all offenders convicted of child rape?
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.