BRETT BULLOCK'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN NEWQUAY: TEACHER AND DANCE INSTRUCTOR SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES

In November 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Brett Bullock, a former teaching assistant and dance instructor based in Newquay, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against young girls. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years, involving multiple victims and a gross abuse of trust.

Bullock, aged 28 and residing on St Anne’s Road in Newquay, faced a jury at Truro Crown Court, where he was found guilty of four counts of rape, assault by penetration, and two charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a minor. The court also heard evidence of 15 additional charges related to sexual activity with children, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, incitement to engage in sexual acts, and making indecent images of a child. These latter charges pertained to four other girls, all of which Bullock had already admitted prior to the trial.

The court was informed that Bullock’s misconduct was largely committed against students at his dance school in Newquay. One of his victims, a girl he met at his dance school, was just 15 years old when their inappropriate relationship began. Bullock engaged in sexual activity with her on multiple occasions, including an incident at his dance studio in Mount Wise. As she turned 16, their relationship intensified, evolving from consensual sex to coercive acts where Bullock forced her into sexual acts against her will.

Prosecutor Jason Beal detailed the extent of Bullock’s predatory conduct, describing how he initially contacted one girl via messages when she was only 14. After meeting her in a park, Bullock continued to communicate with her, requesting nude photographs and eventually engaging in sexual acts at the dance centre and later at his home. Another victim, who met Bullock when she was 13, recounted how he picked her up from school when she was 14, claiming he needed her to sign a form. Once at his house, he inappropriately touched her, pulling her onto the bed and kissing her, then further assaulted her in a side room at the dance studio under false pretenses.

Additional victims included a girl Bullock met while working as a teaching assistant in West Cornwall. He added her on Facebook, and after a period of messaging, they began meeting regularly, engaging in sexual activities at his residence and in his van. Bullock even instructed her to tell his parents she was 18 when she stayed over at his house during weekends. Another girl, aged 15, was met at a Volkswagen Jamboree in Stithians, where Bullock was camping nearby. He became friendly with her and her family, and one night, after she returned to her tent intoxicated, Bullock followed her inside and inappropriately touched her, calling her “little girl” during the weekend, indicating he was aware of her age.

Throughout his offending, Bullock employed manipulative tactics, including threatening to take his own life if victims attempted to cut off contact, further demonstrating the coercive nature of his abuse. The court heard how his actions were not only sexually abusive but also deeply manipulative and controlling.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced Bullock to 16 years in prison, emphasizing the severity and systematic nature of his crimes. The judge described the offenses as “the systematic and long-term rape” of the girl, highlighting how Bullock exploited his position as a dance teacher and mentor. He noted that Bullock’s behavior was a gross breach of trust, especially considering his success in taking young women through dance competitions at national and international levels during 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Judge Carr condemned Bullock’s actions as not merely grooming but also involving outbursts of anger, controlling behavior, and threats, which compounded the trauma inflicted on his victims. Recognizing Bullock’s complex mental health issues, the judge ordered that he serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the need for justice for his victims.