ANDREW BRADSHAW'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN GLOUCESTER: CHILD RAPE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In April 2010, a disturbing case unfolded in Gloucester involving Andrew Bradshaw, a 40-year-old forklift truck driver, who was convicted of heinous crimes against an eight-year-old girl. Bradshaw was sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury found him guilty of two counts of child rape, crimes committed during what he claimed were innocent games but which the court deemed monstrous abuse.

During the trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the court heard harrowing details of how Bradshaw, residing on Alexandra Road in Gloucester, engaged in a disturbing pattern of abuse involving the young girl. The prosecution described how Bradshaw would play a game with the girl, during which he would blindfold her and tie her hands behind her back, ostensibly to prevent her from interfering. As part of this game, he would place food items such as chocolates, sweets, and jam into her mouth, sometimes accompanied by inappropriate actions like inserting his thumb into her mouth.

The court was told that Bradshaw denied any indecent acts during these games and insisted he did not commit any rape. He claimed that the activities were innocent and aimed at helping the girl 'express herself' through sensory experiences. He also stated that the girl’s hands were sometimes tied in front rather than behind her back and that the knots were loosely tied, suggesting that she could have freed herself if she wanted to. Bradshaw maintained that the game was harmless and that the girl was wearing pajamas during these incidents, with him often dressed only in his underpants.

Prosecutor Martin Steen outlined the disturbing nature of the abuse, emphasizing that the game involved blindfolding the girl and feeding her sweets or jam, with Bradshaw sometimes placing his thumb in her mouth. He explained that the girl was unhappy with what was being put into her mouth and that these incidents occurred more than once. The court heard that after the initial reports, Bradshaw admitted to playing the game but denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was innocent fun.

Following a detailed deliberation process that lasted over six hours—four and a half hours on Friday and an additional hour and a half on the following day—the jury unanimously convicted Bradshaw of both charges. The verdict was met with a sense of relief and justice for the young victim.

Judge William Hart delivered a stern sentence, condemning Bradshaw’s actions as a 'most blatant abuse' of the child. He expressed relief that the girl had the courage to disclose her ordeal to her mother, which led to the investigation and subsequent conviction. The judge emphasized the monstrous nature of the abuse and highlighted the importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior.

During the sentencing, Bradshaw, who appeared pale but composed, was dressed in a black suit and a white open-necked shirt. His defense lawyer, Stephen Jeary, described him as a man of previously good character, aside from a past conviction for drink-driving. Jeary also noted that Bradshaw had always been a hardworking and industrious individual but maintained that his client still did not accept the guilt attributed to him.

This case has sent shockwaves through the Gloucester community, raising concerns about child safety and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. The court’s verdict underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and the commitment to ensuring justice for victims of such heinous acts.