Thursday 29th January 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

A Bridlington man who subjected two children to years of sexual abuse has been jailed for 18 years following a complex and protracted investigation led by Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit.

Paul Tyler, 66, of Trinity Road, appeared at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday 28 January, where he was sentenced and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The outcome brings to a close a four‑year inquiry that uncovered multiple non‑recent offences against two victims.

First victim comes forward

The investigation began in August 2022 when a man attended Bridlington police station and reported that, as a child, he had been repeatedly raped over a two‑year period. He named Tyler as the perpetrator.

Detectives launched extensive enquiries, working with neighbouring forces, gathering witness accounts and victim impact statements, and compiling third‑party evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service. Tyler was subsequently charged in August 2024.

In December 2024, he pleaded guilty to five counts of rape of a boy under 13 and sexual assault of a boy under 13. Sentencing was delayed, however, after police received a further report from a third party indicating that a woman had disclosed non‑recent sexual abuse she suffered as a child, again naming Tyler.

Second investigation uncovers further offences

At the time of these disclosures, Tyler was already serving a 16‑year sentence imposed in 2012 for child sexual offences committed in West Yorkshire. He remained in custody while detectives launched a second investigation.

In September 2025, Tyler was charged with additional offences relating to the second victim. He later pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court to 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.

The remaining three years of his existing sentence will run concurrently, while the new 18‑year term will run consecutively.

“Extraordinary bravery” praised

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Clare Gascoigne praised the courage of both victims who came forward after many years.

“Coming forward to report abuse suffered as a child requires immense courage,” she said. “Their strength in speaking out has been vital in bringing this offender to justice, and by doing this, they have not only sought accountability for what was done to them but also helped protect other children.”

She also highlighted the support of West Yorkshire Police, the CPS, and independent advocacy service The Blue Door, whose involvement helped both victims feel “believed, supported and empowered”.

DC Gascoigne stressed that non‑recent child sexual abuse often goes unreported for decades due to fear, shame, or concerns about not being believed.

“This case demonstrates that we will always take such allegations seriously, regardless of how much time has passed, and we will investigate them thoroughly and sensitively,” she said. “Whilst today’s outcome does not take away the pain and suffering the man and woman have endured, I hope it provides them with some reassurance that Tyler will remain in prison for the rest of his life.”

She encouraged anyone affected by abuse—recent or historic—to come forward when they feel ready.

“You will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.”