Paul Tyler

Paul Tyler, a 66-year-old resident of Bridlington, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Hull Crown Court on 28 January 2026 for multiple child sexual offences committed against two victims over several years. The case stemmed from a four-year investigation by Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, which uncovered non-recent abuse dating back decades.

The investigation commenced in August 2022 when a male victim reported to Bridlington police station that he had been repeatedly raped by Tyler over a two-year period during his childhood. Detectives conducted extensive enquiries, collaborating with neighbouring forces such as West Yorkshire Police, gathering witness accounts, victim impact statements, and third-party evidence before presenting the case to the Crown Prosecution Service. Tyler, who was already serving a 16-year sentence from 2012 for separate child sexual offences in West Yorkshire, was charged in August 2024 with five counts of rape of a boy under 13 and sexual assault of a boy under 13. He pleaded guilty in December 2024.

Further developments arose when a third party reported in late 2024 that a female victim had disclosed similar non-recent abuse by Tyler during her childhood. This prompted a second investigation, leading to additional charges in September 2025 for causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault of a girl under 13, and assault by penetration of a girl under 13. Tyler again pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court. The new 18-year sentence was imposed consecutively to his existing term, with the remaining three years of the prior sentence running concurrently, and he was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Clare Gascoigne of Humberside Police commended the victims' bravery, stating, “Coming forward to report abuse suffered as a child requires immense courage. Their strength in speaking out has been vital in bringing this offender to justice.” She emphasised the police's commitment to investigating historic allegations thoroughly, noting that the outcome ensures Tyler will remain imprisoned for the rest of his life. The case highlights the challenges of non-recent child sexual abuse reports, often delayed by fear and shame, but underscores the support available through agencies like the Crown Prosecution Service and independent services such as The Blue Door.