ANDREW BRADWELL FROM EASTON, LEICESTER, SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN EASTON AND LEICESTER

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Easton and Leicester, Andrew Bradwell has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl and other vulnerable individuals. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years and took place in various locations across Leicester and Easton.

Bradwell, aged 47, who had recently moved to Parkers Close in Easton from Leicester, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault against a schoolgirl. The court also convicted him of indecently assaulting a friend of the victim and twice sexually assaulting another young woman with learning difficulties. The severity of his crimes and the vulnerability of his victims drew significant attention during the sentencing hearing.

The Leicester Crown Court heard harrowing details of the abuse, which began when the victim was under 10 years old. The first attack occurred in 1993, with Bradwell raping her in the back garden of a house in Leicester. The abuse intensified over the years, with more serious incidents reported when she was 12. The court was told that the rapes continued when she was 13 and 14, specifically between April 1999 and 2000. One particularly disturbing account involved Bradwell claiming that he raped her in woodland in Beaumont Leys to make her pay for a mobile phone he had given her.

Bradwell denied all charges during his trial at Leicester Crown Court earlier this year, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence presented against him. The court found him guilty of multiple offenses, including the rape and indecent assault of the schoolgirl, as well as assaults on other vulnerable individuals. The court also heard that in 1998, Bradwell had kissed a friend of the victim on the mouth, and in 2009, he attempted to have sex with and kissed a young woman with learning difficulties without her consent. These acts were described as opportunistic and predatory, targeting individuals who were unable to defend themselves.

Judge Michael Pert QC, who presided over the case, sentenced Bradwell to 12 years in prison. The judge also imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having any contact with the three victims and bans him from having unsupervised contact with children upon his release. In his remarks, Judge Pert emphasized that the charges reflected a pattern of sexual abuse against vulnerable victims, highlighting the gravity of Bradwell’s actions. He stated, “It was opportunistic conduct towards a vulnerable person,” underscoring the predatory nature of the offenses.

Regarding the sentence, the judge explained that Bradwell would serve half of the 12-year term in custody and would be on licence for the remainder of his sentence. The defense, represented by Steven Newcombe, acknowledged the difficulty Bradwell faced while awaiting sentencing and noted that this was his first custodial sentence. Mr. Newcombe also expressed concern for Bradwell’s mother, who is in poor health, and acknowledged the significant length of the prison term he faced.

The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Easton and Leicester, raising awareness about the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior and ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse.