Lee Sharp, the Sticklepath Paedophile, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after being convicted of grave sexual crimes against a vulnerable victim.
Lee Sharp, 42 years old, appeared at Exeter Crown Court, where the judge imposed a six-year term on extended licence and issued a restraining order.
Lee Sharp, residing on Easterly Terrace in Sticklepath, faced trial in August, where he entered a plea of not guilty to charges of sexual conduct with a minor, coercive and controlling behaviour, and rape.
The jury convicted him on all charges, and he was detained in custody for sentencing on Monday, September 30.
The court was informed that Lee Sharp had sexually assaulted the woman during her adolescence, fully aware of her minority status regarding consent, and instructed her to remain silent about the incident.
He raped her as an adult, being physically and emotionally abusive, this included physically restraining her, and spitting in her face. He also repeatedly referred to her as things such as ‘scum of the earth’ and told her ‘nobody would want you’.
Messages were shown in evidence that Lee Sharp had sent, all were volatile and derogatory in nature, on one occasion he told her ‘you dog you’re going to die for this’.
Lee Sharp was summonsed to court in 2022 and denied the offences throughout the court process but was later found guilty by a jury.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Tina Dalton said: “My utmost praise and thanks goes to the woman who had the courage to work with police to bring this offender to justice.
“Lee Sharp abused her repeatedly and behaved in an abhorrent way. We welcome the sentence passed by the judge and I hope that the survivor can find some closure in the outcome.
“I hope that the outcome today will give others, who may have been victims of these types of crimes, the confidence to come forward and report it.
“No matter what time has passed, or the circumstances, we will listen, and you will be heard.
Support available.
If you are a victim of child abuse, or worried for the safety or wellbeing of a child, find out below all the different ways you can get in touch. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns. Your information could help our trained officers and staff protect the child.
The best ways to get in touch
If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
If it isn’t an emergency, please get in touch in any of these other ways:
call our non-emergency, 24/7 number: 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101
visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner
contact the children’s social care team at your local council
contact Fearless confidentially and anonymously
If you’re a child, you could also speak to someone you trust, like a friend, a teacher or another adult.
If you’re a professional working with children, remember you have a responsibility to refer your concerns to Children’s Social Care through your local council.
What happens after you report it to us?
Uniformed officers may take an initial report, after which specialist detectives may investigate. They’ll explain in detail what will happen next.
Neither you or the child will be forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. However we will always take action if we think a child is at risk of further harm.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.