BRIAN STORER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CLITHEROE AND KEYNSHAM LEAD TO EIGHT-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Clitheroe and Keynsham, Brian Storer, a former bus driver, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes took place over a period when the victim was between 12 and 13 years old, and Storer’s actions have left a lasting scar on her life.

Storer, who was residing on a houseboat moored at Keynsham Marina at the time of the offenses, was brought to trial at Bristol Crown Court. Despite his claims of a consensual 'relationship' with the girl and his admission to having sex with her at least twice, the evidence presented was overwhelming. The victim’s father expressed his anguish, stating that the actions of the paedophile had devastated his daughter’s life.

The court heard that Storer’s abusive conduct was carried out on the houseboat in Keynsham, where he was living at the time. The 49-year-old, who had previously moved to Clitheroe in Lancashire, denied charges of indecent assault, indecency with a child, and two counts of rape. However, the jury at Bristol Crown Court unanimously convicted him on all counts, leaving no doubt about his guilt.

Judge David Ticehurst delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He stated, “You have been convicted on the clearest possible evidence of a systematic abuse of this young girl. You raped her on more than one occasion and exploited her vulnerability. I can give you no credit for your plea. At the outset, I indicated I was concerned about your position but your barrister said it was your right to have a trial.”

The judge further condemned Storer’s actions, noting the emotional toll on the victim. “Consequently, the girl had to relive her ordeal, and it is not easy for people to relive their experience in this court. I am satisfied you pose a danger to young girls. You abused her in a most despicable way, Mr. Storer.”

As part of his sentence, Storer was ordered to register as a sex offender, which requires him to notify police of his address upon release. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting him from having contact with anyone under the age of 16 without supervision.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, recounted her traumatic experiences. She revealed that she and her mother had stayed on Storer’s houseboat “quite a few times,” during which she was asleep but awoke to find Storer touching her inappropriately. She also described an incident where, when alone with Storer at a flat, he coerced her into performing a sex act on him, leading to unprotected intercourse. The girl expressed her feelings of confusion and fear, saying, “I was feeling confused, scared and I didn’t really know what to do.” She clarified that she never initiated sex and would try to walk away, but Storer would pull her back.

Storer admitted to having sex with the girl after her 13th birthday. When the prosecution, led by Andrew Macfarlane, pointed out that Storer used words associated with paedophilia to describe their relationship, Storer claimed it was a “two-way thing” and insisted the girl was a willing participant.

Following the sentencing, the girl’s grandmother expressed her relief at the length of the prison term but also shared her suspicions about Storer’s manipulative behavior. “I feel fantastic about the eight-year sentence but you can’t print what I think about Storer. He was a control freak and I think this was planned. He controlled the whole situation and we’ve suspected this for years,” she said. She recounted how they had reported their concerns to social services and schools, but nothing was done. She described how her granddaughter’s personality changed dramatically from a young girl who used to cuddle her granddad to someone withdrawn and troubled, indicating the lasting impact of the abuse.

The girl’s father also voiced his feelings, saying, “I feel relieved that justice has been done. I had a word with him about the allegations but he denied everything. I feel he’s completely ruined my daughter’s life. I just hope she will get over it and put it behind her.”