BRADLEY ANTILL FROM GROVE NEAR WANTAGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN OXFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Grove and Wantage, Oxfordshire, Bradley Antill, aged 46, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a young girl. The conviction followed a rigorous seven-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of 14 separate charges related to child abuse, including rape, sexual assault, indecency, and other related offences.

Antill, who resides on Fulmar Place in Grove, was convicted of the most serious offence—rape—as well as two counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13. His criminal record also includes three counts of indecent assault and eight counts of gross indecency. The court's decision was accompanied by the imposition of an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which mandates that Antill remain on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the threat he poses to the community.

Following the sentencing on Friday, November 1, Thames Valley Police's Detective Constable Maria Morrisey described Antill as a "dangerous predatory offender" who targeted a vulnerable victim, who was only between six and nine years old at the time of the offences. She emphasized the trauma inflicted upon the young girl, who was forced to relive her painful experiences during the trial, despite Antill’s denial of all allegations. Detective Morrisey highlighted the importance of justice for the victim and her family, who have endured years of suffering.

Earlier, in October 2013, the victim expressed her relief and gratitude after Antill’s conviction, stating, “Justice has been done.” She recounted the years of abuse she suffered at his hands, which included rape, sexual assault, and acts of indecency. Prosecutors indicated that Antill could face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison for his crimes. Despite his denial during the four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, the jury unanimously found him guilty of all 14 charges brought against him.

In emotional testimony, the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how Antill had threatened her with removal from her family if she ever disclosed what was happening. Her mother, speaking to the Oxford Mail after the verdict, described Antill as a “monster” and expressed her disgust at his actions. She said, “It’s just despicable to prey on a child and to threaten her with not seeing her parents again.” The mother also noted that Antill had shown no remorse, and she expressed relief that he would now face imprisonment, eliminating the risk of encountering him again.

She added, “It is just overwhelming to get that result – it is such a relief. When we first found out, we couldn’t take it on board, we couldn’t believe it. It has been a horrible experience for my daughter, but we are so proud of her for being so strong. The police have been wonderful and very supportive to all of us.”

Judge Mary Jane Mowat, presiding over the case, ordered Antill to be remanded in custody immediately, indicating that he was facing a prison sentence of “some length.” Prosecutor Rachel Drake noted that the Crown Prosecution Service guidelines suggested a sentence between 11 and 15 years for the rape conviction. Antill is scheduled to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on October 24, where the final determination of his punishment will be made.