BERNARD CHAPMAN CHILD SEX OFFENDER FROM MITCHELDEAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Bernard Chapman, a 64-year-old man from Mitcheldean, was handed an 18-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences, which took place over a period of time, included four counts of raping a child under the age of 13, six counts of sexual assault, and four additional charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Chapman, who previously served as an RAF airman, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via videolink for his sentencing hearing. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his crimes, which were uncovered after a lengthy trial. Prosecutor Janet McDonald emphasized that the severity of Chapman’s misconduct was compounded by the use of coercion and threats against his young victim. It was also disclosed that Chapman had administered amyl nitrate, commonly known as poppers, to the girl on several occasions before abusing her sexually.

Judge Daniel Williams delivered a stern judgment, stating, “When confronted, your response was telling, far more telling than you ever appreciated.” The court heard that Chapman, who now resides on Church Lane in Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, reacted with profanity and called his victim a “spiteful b****” during the proceedings. The judge further condemned Chapman’s duplicity, noting that he had presented himself as a caring and successful businessman, a facade that masked his true nature. “You were, and are, neither caring nor kind,” Judge Williams asserted.

He explained that the victim, who was groomed by Chapman, mistook his manipulative behavior for genuine kindness and love, which was a tragic misconception. The court also highlighted Chapman’s brazen attitude, recounting how he made the girl take amyl nitrate on multiple occasions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for her well-being.

During the trial, the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, broke down emotionally while giving her testimony. She tearfully recounted the years of sexual abuse she endured at Chapman’s hands in Gwent, revealing that she did not disclose the abuse to anyone until his arrest last year. From behind a screen, she told the court, “I never thought it would be the right time,” emphasizing her feelings of shame and fear.

Chapman was ultimately convicted of ten counts of rape and four counts of sexual activity with a minor. The court sentenced him to 18 years in prison for the rape charges, with an additional eight years for the sexual activity offences, to run concurrently.

In a related development earlier in January, Chapman admitted to a series of child sexual offences during the trial process. He initially denied all charges but later pleaded guilty, leading to his sentencing scheduled for the end of the month. The charges stemmed from abuse inflicted upon a girl under 13, who is now an adult, with the abuse reportedly beginning when she was very young.

The victim, who was present during the court proceedings, recounted her suffering and the betrayal she felt. She described how the abuse started with inappropriate touching over her clothes and escalated to full sexual intercourse. Her testimony was marked by emotional distress, and she revealed that she only confided in authorities after an incident where Chapman allegedly assaulted her during an argument, although he was not charged over that specific incident.

Chapman’s sentencing is scheduled for January 30 at Cardiff Crown Court, where he will face the consequences of his actions and the justice system’s response to his crimes.