In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Paul Burnip, 53, was spared an immediate prison sentence despite being convicted of indecency with a child. On appearing at Durham Crown Court in July 2019, the defendant, of Snaith Terrace, Wingate, was sentenced for exposing himself to a group of young boys in a public park. It was reported that Burnip, who was known locally as a gravedigger in Easington Village, was performing a sexual act while holding a pornographic magazine when the boys encountered him.
The investigation established the predatory nature of Burnip’s conduct in the High Yorkshire and Durham region. Durham Constabulary reported that although the incident occurred approximately a decade prior to the trial, it only came to light when one of the victims made further allegations. The prosecution reported that while Burnip was acquitted of separate charges, a jury found him guilty of the park indecency following a trial where the boys’ consistent accounts were deemed credible by the court.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Burnip continued to deny his presence at the scene, claiming he had been wrongly identified. Durham Crown Court heard that the boys, some of whom were on bicycles at the time, immediately recognized Burnip as the local gravedigger. The investigation established that Burnip fled the scene after dropping his magazine, and the judge noted that the witnesses had nothing to gain by coming forward independently years after the event.
The Recorder, Mr. Ian Atherton, stated he had no hesitation in accepting the guilty verdict. For his actions in Easington Village, Burnip was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. The judge noted that the only reason Burnip avoided immediate custody was due to his role as a primary carer for his wife, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, stating that “but for” her condition, he would have been sent straight to prison.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Paul Burnip is as follows:
- Sentence: 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months (Sentenced 2019).
- Requirements: 3-month curfew and 30 rehabilitation activity days.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were active for 7 years (Scheduled to conclude in 2026).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Durham Crown Court following a Durham Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Indecency with a child.
- Origin: Snaith Terrace, Wingate, County Durham (Offences in Easington Village).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Burnip is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) during his period of registration. Due to the nature of his conduct in County Durham, which involved “vile” public exposure to children in a community park, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 7-year registration and mandatory rehabilitation days are critical tools to ensure his behavior is monitored, particularly as he remains resident in the same region where he previously held a position of local visibility as a gravedigger.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register until 2026, Burnip must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “shameful” public indecency necessitates vigilance to prevent any further contact with minors in public spaces. Any future reports of inappropriate behavior in Wingate or Easington Village, or any failure to adhere to his registration requirements, will result in immediate investigation and the potential activation of his suspended prison sentence.
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.