This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's He has been released on bail and is due to appear for trial on 9 August. The Conservative Party was not informed by the LADO of the case. It said: That the Council commissions an independent report by the Local Government Association or the Centre for Public Scrutiny or another appropriate independent body to be expeditiously brought to Cabinet to provide a clear understanding how John Humphreys, despite his arrest in May 2016 continued to serve as a Councillor until May 2019, retained his position as Lead Member for Exmouth and went on to be bestowed the honour of an alderman by this Council in December 2019. He said when Humphreys assaulted him for the first time, he was so confused that he froze. Yet, during the time between arrest and imprisonment, he was still the 'lead member for Exmouth' and bestowed the honour of an alderman in December 2019. East Devon District Councillors have voted to commission an independent report to investigate the circumstances of how former Councillor John Humphreys came to be nominated and bestowed the. The 59-year-old, of Hartley Road, Exmouth, denies three counts of a serious sexual assault. John Humphreys was convicted last month at Exeter Crown Court of sexually assaulting two boys between 1990 and 2001. Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. He took the boy to a friends flat and had sex with him before dropping him off. But now following his conviction, East Devon District Council plan on stripping the ex-councillor of his title the first time it has ever happened in the 47 year history of the authority as the gravity of his crimes means that he is not a fit person to hold the honour. John Humphreys, 59, was found guilty of three counts of serious sexual assault and seven of indecent assault in the 1990s and 2000s at Exeter Crown Court. The jury were out for more than eight hours before they delivered their majority verdicts. Read about our approach to external linking. Rescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash. However, he was not charged or the information about his arrest made public. The Council will put on hold the remainder of the scrutiny recommendations (on the future of appointing alderman and alderwomen) pending the receipt and consideration of the independent report by the Cabinet. He is openly gay and became one of the first people in Britain to take part in a same sex wedding when he married his partner in April 2014 on the first day the new law came into effect. What's he waiting for? VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. All I got was a threatening phone call from a Tiverton officer. In that letter, Cllr Bruce De Saram writes: Devon County Council has admitted that they were notified of concerns by the NSPCC dating back as far as 2014 and of [John Humphreys] arrest in 2016 and failed to follow the correct process..EDDC were informed of the case by Devon County Council in March 2016 through the LADO process.. Urgent appeal for more care workers in Devon as current shortage unsustainable, Hugo Swire 2023 Speech on the Australia/New Zealand Trade Bill and Maiden Speech in the House of Lords (Baron Swire), Ten years since Feniton councillor caught planning influenceclaims, UK government is hiding 28bn of stealth cuts to public services, saysreport, Cllr Mike Howe quits EDDC Tory group. You decided not to help him and ensure he came to no harm in that situation.. Humphreys, the former Mayor of Exmouth from 2010 and 2012, sexually assaulted one boy aged 12 to 13 between 1990 and 1991, and a separate victim in the late 1990s who was aged 14 to 15. Would you like to join Honiton Town Council? Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. In view of Mr Humphreys conviction and offences, I do not believe he is a fit person to hold this honour. Labour councillor Paul Millar told the committee that the award was "full of potential cronyism and done in total secrecy without any safeguards". Below we read how close he was to the Swires. ". 2023 BBC. Gardening firm boss Humphreys was Mayor of Exmouth from 2010 to 2012 and a councillor for 12 years. "It is clear you caused severe psychological harm which has damaged and blighted the life of your victims. He also denied five counts of indecent assault of a second boy, aged 14 to 15, between 2000 and 2002. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. A report into how a councillor got an honorary title while under investigation for child sex crimes is to be carried out. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. What's he waiting for? I just felt like blurting it out, stood in the box, once all the lies were being thrown at me. Humphreys became mayor of Exmouth in Devon in 2010. When police asked him why he had decided to make a complaint, he replied because Ive had 25 years of sleepless nights. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He was jailed for 21 years in August and stripped of the title in September. The Conservative group at East Devon District Council (EDDC) insists that any party-led enquiry into the case is a matter for the national party. The court heard the second victim had been around the age of 15 and on work experience with Humphreyss gardening firm when he was sexually assaulted multiple times by the defendant, who orchestrated time alone with the teenager. He also denied five counts of indecent assault of a second boy, aged 14 to 15, between 2000 and 2002. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. The victim questioned why Mr Humphreys was allowed to carry on as councillor whilst he was being investigated, a process which began in May 2016. A former mayor has appeared at Exeter Crown Court charged with the sexual assault of two boys. You can stay up to date on the top news near you with DevonLive's FREE newsletters enter your email address at the top of the page or go here, Former Mayor of Exmouth John Humphreys, who was jailed for sexually abusing boys, Former mayor of Exmouth John Humphreys has been jailed for 21 years for sexually abusing two schoolboys. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Cllr Ian Thomas, chair of East Devon District Council, said: Firstly, and most importantly, I would like to extend my sympathy and that of the council, to the two victims and their families. His near exact words were Humphreys is now mayor. A Gannett Company. LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) is a role in the childrens services department of the county council role which coordinates a response to concerns about risks to children. Read More - Former Exmouth mayor jailed for 21 years over schoolboy abuse. The former Mayor was arrested in May 2016 and finally jailed for 21 years after a long police investigation in 2021. Mr De Sarams letter to EDDC continues: The Conservative Party was not invited to join these LADO meetings. While the legislation permitting councils to meet virtually expired on May 7, and has not been renewed, the council agreed to temporarily change its constitution in order to comply with the law. The actual authority to actually take the decision would be delegated to the Chief Executive and/or Senior Officers who will then make a decision taking into account the views of the consultative meeting. He was prosecuted after police unearthed records of a previous complaint from the second victim, which was not pursued when it was first made in the 2000s. Something went wrong, please try again later. John Humphreys, 59, was found guilty of three counts of serious sexual assault and. You targeted a particularly vulnerable victim. After being given a 21-year prison sentence, East Devon District Council. A former mayor has appeared at Exeter Crown Court charged with the sexual assault of two boys. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Humphreys denied having any sexual contact with either boy, but was found guilty of all charges by majority verdicts after an eight-day trial. Hes getting on with his life. Judge Rose said Humphreys actions caused the male long-lasting psychological harm, lasting decades, The Judge said: These were shocking acts of sexual violence. Exeter YMCA under threat in brutal new cuts plan, 'Amazing' 3,000 donation boosts Exmouth RNLI. In 2021 he was charged with 10 accounts of serious sexual offences against two teenagers in the 1990s and 2000s, and is now serving 21 years in prison. History was made in Exmouth on Saturday as mayor John Humphreys and teacher David Marston said I do on Saturday. Humphreys later offered him holiday jobs and went on to abuse him on other occasions, telling him this doesnt mean you are gay. READ NEXT: Grand Designs: End in sight for Devon lighthouse home from 'saddest episode ever', "In particular the report will focus on the circumstances of how John Humphreys came to be nominated and bestowed the award of an aldermanship despite being under criminal investigation at the time. The. These incidents were entirely separate and 10 years apart against two children who did not know each other.". A council which allowed a paedophile councillor to stay in office for three . DeSantis won't say he's running. The jury was told Mr Humphreys, a gardening contractor, of Hartley Road, Exmouth, said the incidents never happened. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake, What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Exeter YMCA under threat in brutal new cuts plan, 'Amazing' 3,000 donation boosts Exmouth RNLI. When Humphreys case came to court this year, not being able to talk about how the police had treated me was my biggest concern. Mr Piers Norsworthy, prosecuting, said he would submit a schedule setting out the sentencing guidelines for modern offences which are the equivalent to those he was convicted of. Furthermore, the police also give clear instruction on what can or cant be said so as to avoid potentially jeopardising any information.. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Alice. 2 Explain why your name is a rigid designator. Latest on Stanford Cardinal wide receiver John Humphreys including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Former Mayor of Exmouth John Humphreys has been jailed for 21 years after sexually abusing two boys, John Humphreys became mayor of Exmouth in 2010 and was a district councillor for 12 years. A former mayor who committed "shocking acts of sexual violence" against two boys has been jailed for 21 years. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. He also served as an East Devon councillor for 12 years until 2019. The Council will decide which Civic functions and events it is appropriate to invite Honorary Aldermen to. He had also been questioned for similar offences in 2005 but no charges were brought. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Admiral Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth, GCB (19 April 1757 - 23 January 1833) was a British naval officer. Gilbert. He cant defend the indefensible, Breaking news: Hancock rejected expert Covid advice, leaked messagessuggest, Rockfish bids to buy public toilets as part of plans for Sidmouth seafrontrestaurant, More pre-election angst this time in North Devon TownCouncil, Westminster debate on SWW Jupp sets disappointing tone with political pointscoring, Conflicts of Interest in East Devon .. Anna Minton's report, East Devon Alliance Matters (discussion group), Vision Group for Sidmouth Futures Forum, What Do They Know (Freedom of Information (FOI) requests). You targeted a particularly vulnerable victim. Editors' Code of Practice. Humphreys, aged 59, of Hartley Road, Exmouth, denied but was found guilty of three counts of a serious sexual assault (buggery) and two of indecent assault on the younger boy and five counts of indecent assault against older one. He said he was shocked and flabbergasted at the allegations and accused his first victim of being wicked and vindictive and making up his allegations so he could claim compensation. He told the Journal: It was a pleasant, happy occasion. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. 2023 BBC. The freephone NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 is available for anyone to report or seek advice about non-recent abuse. The approach means that at present, meetings are being held virtually, but only reach indicative decisions. At the meeting, the vote was carried by a majority with only one councillor abstaining, believed to have been Cllr Paul Millar. Humphreys, a former mayor of Exmouth, had served for 12 years as a Conservative councillor on East Devon District Council before stepping down ahead of the May 2019 local elections. David added: It seemed worthwhile marking the change in the law on the day it actually changed. Rescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash. John Humphreys, 59, denies three counts of. The officer was unaware that Mr Humphreys had been charged [at a much later date] or that he was later to face trial, Mr Williams wrote. second Pg.234 wife of Walter Raleigh, father of Sir Walter Raleigh. John T. Humphreys 1,636 Conservative: Mark Williamson 1,489 East Devon Alliance: Robert Crick 1,224 Liberal Democrats: Daphne A. Fensom 1,170 UKIP: Tim Davey 1,164 Green: Mike Rosser . It was handwritten and wasnt even an apology. Judge Rose said: You instructed him to never talk about this and you told him that his life wouldnt be worth living if he told.. The council chamber was packed for the ceremony, and the reception saw 110 friends and family mark the occasion at the nearby Masonic Hall. Today (Wednesday 20 April), a motion was approved by councillors at the East Devon District Council (EDDC) Full Council meeting. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Mr Humphreys was the mayor of Exmouth between 2012 and 2014. In Regional 1 South West, Drybrook sit 14 points adrift at the bottom after losing 35-22 to Exmouth, Mitch Baldwin, Ryan Chappell and Mitch Bourne with the tries, Tom Treherne kicking two . Read about our approach to external linking. Miss Fiona Elder, defending, said Humphreys knows he will receive a long jail sentence. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Former mayor of Exmouth John Humphreys has been jailed for 21 years for sexually abusing two schoolboys, John Humphreys during his tenure as Exmouth's mayor. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. At the time he was under investigation by the police for sexual assault of two boys between 1990 and 2001. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake, What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Humphreys, of Hartley Road, Exmouth became mayor of. He was jailed for 21 years by Judge Rose, who also put him on the sex offenders register for life. John Humphreys, who abused two schoolboys in the 1990s and 2000s, was jailed for 21 years last week after being found guilty at a trial at Exeter Crown Court. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake, What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial. John Humphreys became mayor of Exmouth in 2010. Cllr Humphreys added: We have been very encouraged by peoples reactions, everybody has been really very supportive. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Humphreys, aged 59, of Hartley Road, is on trial at Exeter Crown Court where he denies ten charges of historic sex offences against two boys alleged to have taken place between 1990 and 2002. The council will be asked to decide whether they believe an independent investigation is necessary. 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