Convicted Exmouth child sex offender set to have 'Honorary Alderman' status removed
Former mayor John Humphreys was sentenced to 21 years in prison earlier this month
Last updated 25th Aug 2021
A former mayor of Exmouth is set to have his 'Honorary Alderman' status removed, after he was sentenced to 21 years in prison for historic sex offences against two boys.
John Humphreys, 59, was found guilty of ten charges following a trial at Exeter Crown Court on Friday 20 August.
Humphreys stood accused of two counts of indecent assault and three counts of buggery on a boy aged 12 to 13 between 1990 and 1991.
He was also charged with five further counts of indecent assault on a second boy aged 14 to 15 between 1999 and 2002.
Both victims went to police independently of each other as adults more than a decade apart.
The Chair of East Devon District Council has since released a statement following his conviction:
"Firstly, and most importantly, I should like to extend my sympathy and that of the council, to the two victims and their families. A large part of their lives has been dominated by unimaginable experiences as children. I hope that the conviction and sentence handed down may offer some level of closure.
"In 2019, an Extraordinary General Meeting of East Devon District Council awarded the position of Honorary Alderman to Mr Humphreys. The position was established under the Local Government Act 1972 and is awarded in recognition of valued service to the community represented and the council.
"In view of Mr Humphreys conviction and offences, I do not believe he is a fit person to hold this honour.
"I will therefore be convening an Extraordinary General Meeting at 6pm on Tuesday 7 September with the sole recommendation being that the honour is withdrawn forthwith.
"This will be the first time any such step will have been taken and recognises the gravity of his crimes."
Councillor Ian Thomas - Chair of East Devon District Council
The freephone NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 is available for anyone to report or seek advice about non-recent abuse. Calls can be made anonymously.