Paul Andrew Degenhart

A 48-year-old man from Sheffield, Paul Andrew Degenhart, has been jailed for 31 years after being convicted of a series of horrific child sexual offences committed in the 1980s and 1990s. The case, investigated by South Yorkshire Police, culminated in a sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 18 December 2020.

Degenhart, formerly residing on Raeburn Road in Sheffield, was found guilty in October 2020 of 33 child sexual offences involving four victims who cannot be named for legal reasons. The charges included 20 counts of indecent assault, six counts of indecency with a child, four counts of rape, two counts of buggery, and one count of attempted rape. These crimes involved the grooming and sexual abuse of children over a period spanning two decades.

The investigation into Degenhart's actions was described as lengthy and complex by Detective Constable Helen Barrett of South Yorkshire Police. Following the sentencing, she highlighted the bravery of the victims, stating: “I wish to echo my comments made at Degenhart’s conviction about the bravery of each of the victims. The courage, strength and dignity they have shown throughout our inquiry and the subsequent trial and now, today’s hearing, is commendable.”

In addition to the 31-year custodial sentence, Degenhart received an extended three years on licence. The offences took place in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and the case underscores the police's commitment to pursuing historical child sexual abuse reports, as evidenced by the thorough trial process at Sheffield Crown Court.

• Key Details: Offences occurred in the 1980s and 1990s; trial in October 2020; sentencing on 18 December 2020.
• Source: South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Crown Court records, as reported in the news article from Greatest Hits Radio (South Yorkshire) published on 18 December 2020.