CLAY BAMFORD SHOCKS EXETER WITH HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEEN GIRLS NEAR CATHEDRAL
A man named Clay Bamford has been sentenced to prison after committing heinous acts of sexual violence against two young girls in Exeter.The disturbing incidents occurred after the girls, both aged just 13, were reportedly given alcohol by a group of street drinkers, which led to a series of tragic events that have left lasting scars.
According to court records, Bamford encountered the two schoolgirls following an evening out near Exeter Cathedral.
The girls had gone back to a flat owned by Bamford’s father, Paul, along with other young people who had been drinking in the area.
Bamford, who was present at the flat, continued drinking with the girls, which eventually led to the assault.
One of the girls was raped while lying under a duvet on the floor, and Bamford also sexually assaulted the second girl by putting his hands inside her clothing.
The second girl was so terrified during the ordeal that she contemplated jumping from a first-floor balcony to escape, but ultimately decided to stay with her friend out of fear.
It is important to note that Bamford was not only involved in these assaults but was also facing other serious charges at the time.
He had recently been released from prison following a street attack in Exeter and was scheduled to appear in court the very next day for exposing himself to a police officer.
Additionally, Bamford was on bail for attacking a fellow inmate during his previous incarceration, highlighting a pattern of violent and concerning behavior.
The impact of Bamford’s actions on the victims has been profound and long-lasting.
The girl who was raped attempted to take her own life and continues to receive counseling nearly two years after the incident.
Her words reflect the deep emotional trauma she endured, stating, "I used to be happy, confident and not bothered by anything.
Now I am empty and dark.
I would like to see him suffer behind bars in the way he has made me suffer." The second girl also suffers from nightmares and flashbacks, illustrating the enduring psychological scars inflicted by the assault.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Miss Heather Hope, detailed how the attack took place in May 2022.
The girls had been drinking with acquaintances they met on the streets of Exeter before returning to Bamford’s father’s flat.
Bamford’s father, Mr.
Paul Bamford, was present when the girls arrived.
The girl who was raped clearly expressed her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity, but Bamford persisted despite her protests.
She disassociated herself from the situation and distracted herself by watching TikTok videos during the assault.
Defense attorney Mr.
Joss Ticehurst argued that Bamford had not planned the assaults and that he was drawn into an unexpected situation at his father’s flat.
He emphasized that Bamford was not a predatory individual but had taken advantage of a circumstance he encountered by chance.
Ticehurst also highlighted Bamford’s troubled childhood, noting that he was taken into care at just 13 months old.
The defense pointed out that Bamford had no prior history of sexual offenses, aside from the incident of exposure, which was a response to being stopped by a male police officer.
Judge Stephen Climie sentenced Bamford to a total of nine years in prison, ordering that this sentence run consecutively to the six-year term Bamford received for attacking a fellow inmate shortly after these offenses.
Bamford was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and subjected to a court order restricting his contact with minors.
The judge emphasized the vulnerability of the victims, stating, "These two girls were vulnerable, at least psychologically, and certainly physically when it came to the prospect of what took place at your hands.
It must have been apparent they were just 13, but despite that, you took advantage of their age, their vulnerability, and their use of alcohol."
