BERNARD CHAPMAN FROM MITCHELDEAN JAILED FOR 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CARDIFF

In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Bernard Chapman, a 64-year-old businessman from Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous child sex offences. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse involving a young girl under the age of 13, with Chapman exploiting his perceived reputation to manipulate and prey on his victim.

Chapman, who had successfully cultivated an image of a kind and caring individual, concealed his sinister intentions behind a facade of professionalism and charm. The court heard that he subjected the young girl to a series of degrading acts, including forcing her to wear red lipstick and administering the sex drug Amyl Nitrate, commonly known as poppers, to facilitate his abuse. These actions were part of a calculated effort to groom and sexually exploit the girl, who was vulnerable and underage at the time.

The case was brought to a head when the victim, driven by fear and coercion, eventually reported the abuse to the police years after the incidents occurred. During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of coercion and threats used by Chapman to silence and control his victim. The court found him guilty of 10 counts of rape and four counts of sexual activity with a child, confirming the severity of his crimes.

Judge Daniel Williams, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence and made a pointed remark about Chapman's conduct when confronted with the allegations. He stated, “When confronted for your crimes, your response was very telling. You swore and called your victim a ‘spiteful b****’. You were a successful businessman and were careful to present yourself as a caring and kind man. Your victim mistook your grooming for genuine kindness and love — it was neither of those things.”

Chapman’s criminal actions, which involved manipulation, coercion, and abuse, have left a lasting impact on his victim and the community. His background as a former RAF airman did little to mitigate the severity of his crimes. The court’s decision to sentence him to 18 years reflects the gravity of his offences and the need for justice to be served for the young girl he exploited.