Horror of mum who discovered abuse

A mother who walked in on her daughter being sexually abused says it has destroyed their lives.

The woman, who cannot be named because her daughter’s identity is protected by a court order, said “it was like an atomic bomb going off in their lives”.

The girl was targeted on numerous occasions over a six-year period by Paul Jennings, who was jailed for 11 years at Lincoln Crown Court last week after admitting three charges of sexual assault by penetration and further charges of sexual activity and causing his victim to watch a sexual act.

Jennings (49), of Holbeach Road, was caught in March this year when the victim’s mum walked in on them.

She said: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, I started screaming at him.

“I called the police but before they arrived he swallowed a handful of tablets.

“It has completely destroyed our lives. I don’t want to leave my daughter alone with anyone else now. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to trust anyone outside of my family again.

“When I heard the sentence I couldn’t believe it. I thought he would get at least 20 years. Instead he got 11 and we’ve been told he’ll probably only serve two-thirds of that and then he’ll be free to come back to Spalding.

“Apparently the sentence was lenient because it was a first offence but how many lives does he get to ruin?

“I’ve not been able to work since it happened and my niece is staying with us because I can’t bear to be alone once my daughter is in bed. I keep having flashbacks to that day.

“I really can’t see a way forward. I’m taking it step by step and having counselling but I can’t believe it’s going to get any better.

“My family and our friends and neighbours have been brilliant. I don’t know what I would have done without their support.

“I feel like I’ve failed as a mother because I didn’t protect my daughter from this.”