Paul Kent

A man from Great Wishford has been spared immediate imprisonment after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in Wilton. Paul Kent, aged 59, of South Street, touched the woman sexually without her consent on August 20, 2024. The incident occurred in the Wiltshire town, prompting police involvement and subsequent court proceedings at Salisbury Magistrates' Court.

Kent indicated his guilt during his initial appearance at the court on June 5, 2025. His sentencing hearing was adjourned to July 14, 2025, to allow the Probation Service to prepare a pre-sentence report. Upon sentencing, magistrates imposed a 12-month custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years. In addition to the suspended term, Kent was ordered to complete 70 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years, in line with regulations under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The prosecution successfully applied for a two-year restraining order, prohibiting Kent from approaching a specific street in Wilton to protect the victim. Magistrates declined to order compensation to the victim, noting that 'it might inflict more harm than benefit to the victim in this case'. Kent was further instructed to pay £187 towards victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service by September 12, 2025.

This case was heard at Salisbury Magistrates' Court, with reporting by Tom Leaman for the Salisbury Journal. The details reflect the court's emphasis on rehabilitation over immediate custody, given the circumstances outlined in the pre-sentence report.