Man jailed for 18 years for raping two young girls

A man has been jailed after raping and sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13.

 

Paul Comrie, of Smelter Wood Crescent, Sheffield appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today (Friday 13 May) and was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment.

Comrie’s crimes came to light after one of the girls confided in a friend about what had happened, in 2019. The friend then convinced her to speak with a teacher. The sexual abuse took place at an address in Derby in 2018.

Following this initial report, a woman came forward to say she had been raped and sexually abused by Comrie from the age of 12, between 2007 and 2010 at an address in Sheffield.

He was bailed to appear at court and subsequently sent to trial after denying all charges, which included: four counts of raping a girl under the age of 13, two counts of raping a girl between the ages of 13 and 15, two counts of assault by penetration of girl a under 13, assault by penetration of a girl over 13, and assault by touching a girl under 13.

A jury found the 50-year-old guilty of all charges in January 2022.

Detective Constable Richard Foster, officer in the case said:

“The young women affected in this case have shown true courage and remarkable bravery throughout. They really are true survivors.

“Comrie refused to admit his abuse and forced them to relive their horrific ordeals again during the trial.

“Although in the eyes of the law Comrie is now being punished, the survivors in this case continue to deal with the psychological and emotional impact of the abuse they suffered.

“I hope that they gain strength and solace from seeing this man sent to prison for the sickening crimes he committed against them.

“We take every case of sexual abuse or sexual assault extremely seriously and to anyone who has been similarly affected, if you feel able, please do report it to us so we can help.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence please reach out for help and support.

We have recently added a Rape and Sexual Assault reporting tool to our website. Here you can report something that's happened to you, or to someone else. To access it, visit: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

You can report anonymously, without giving us your details. We won't judge you; we'll treat you with respect, and we'll always put your health and wellbeing first.

Alternatively, you can contact us using the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101.

If you are not ready to talk to the police then you can contact a range of different partner agencies who will provide you with support, advice and medical help.

For information, details on how to report and to find out the support services available in Derbyshire, please click here:  https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/.