Paul Lipscombe, a senior NHS executive, has been sentenced to over 28 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing and raping multiple young girls.
The 51-year-old targeted six girls aged between 12 and 15 across the country, grooming them through Snapchat before committing offences in person.
How the Abuse Came to Light
Lipscombe was arrested in April 2024 after police investigated a missing 15-year-old girl.
The teen had been collected late at night by Lipscombe, who had told his wife he was away on business.
Police later discovered the girl at a hotel, along with evidence of sexual abuse, alcohol, and condoms.
Investigators quickly uncovered that he had been targeting other girls online and using AI software to produce and distribute indecent images.
A Pattern of Manipulation
Court proceedings revealed that Lipscombe used multiple fake Snapchat accounts and cartoon avatars to gain the trust of his victims.
He arranged meetings in hotels, Airbnbs, and even his Tesla, presenting himself as friendly and trustworthy while secretly grooming and exploiting the girls.
In one case, he filmed abuse using a spy camera app on his phone.
The Extent of the Crimes
Lipscombe pleaded guilty to 21 counts of sexual activity with a child, six counts of making indecent images of children, three sexual assaults, two rapes, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of distributing indecent images.
The court heard he had been committing offences against young girls since his 20s, and detectives believe there may be additional victims.
Victim Impact and Trauma
Victims and their families shared the long-lasting effects of Lipscombe’s abuse.
The girls described anxiety, nightmares, and a loss of trust in men, while parents spoke of heartbreak and anger.
One parent said their daughter “can’t get it out of her mind,” while another stated, “We hate the man who ruined our daughter’s childhood.”
The Court’s Verdict
Sentencing Lipscombe to 28 years and one month, Judge Keith Raynor described him as “devious, scheming, manipulative, and very highly dangerous.”
An extended licence period of three years will follow his custodial sentence.
The judge highlighted Lipscombe’s bold, high-risk offending and his obsession with sexual abuse of young girls.
Online Grooming and AI Exploitation
Prosecutors detailed how Lipscombe ran a subscription system online, selling AI-generated indecent images of children, including likenesses of his victims.
The scheme earned him thousands of pounds and provided step-by-step guides for other offenders.
Police described him as a sophisticated and manipulative predator.
NHS Career and Internal Review
Lipscombe had held a senior role at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Following his arrest, the Trust suspended him and later dismissed him.
Officials praised the victims and police while confirming that no evidence indicated his crimes were committed as part of his NHS role.
Police Warnings and Community Safety
Leicestershire Police urge anyone who may have been in contact with Lipscombe to come forward.
Detectives emphasized the dangers of online grooming and the need for parents to monitor children’s use of phones, social media, and online gaming platforms.
Officers highlighted how offenders exploit trust, attention, and gifts to manipulate vulnerable young people.
Protecting Children from Online Threats
Superintendent Helen Schofield emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and children, as well as vigilance for signs of grooming.
Police and the NHS Trust continue to support ongoing investigations to ensure the safety of children and hold offenders accountable.