COLIN BAILEY FROM TIVERTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN IN EXETER

In October 2021, the courtroom at Exeter Crown Court heard the harrowing testimonies of two women who had been victims of Colin Bailey, a 67-year-old man from Tiverton, who was convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed nearly two decades earlier. The victims, whose identities remain protected, bravely recounted how Bailey’s actions had left indelible scars on their lives, yet they also expressed their resilience and determination not to let his abuse define them.

Bailey was found guilty in August of six charges of indecent assault involving two young girls. The charges detailed inappropriate touching, both over and under their clothing, carried out by Bailey during the period of his offending. Despite the passage of time, the emotional and psychological impact on the victims was evident as they delivered personal statements during the sentencing hearing.

The first victim described herself as a naive and vulnerable child when the abuse occurred. She revealed that Bailey had exploited her innocence and that she had felt powerless to stop him. She recounted how Bailey had told her that no one would believe her if she tried to report the abuse. As an adult, she continues to grapple with the effects, suffering from high anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She explained that her mental health struggles had made it difficult to engage in treatment, and she admitted to feeling responsible for keeping the past alive in her efforts to protect other children from Bailey.

She shared that her trust in men had been severely damaged and that she had experienced mental health issues, including self-harm. Despite these hardships, she expressed a sense of empowerment, stating that her decision to come forward and report Bailey’s actions marked a turning point in her life. She emphasized that she now perceives herself as a stronger person than she had believed possible.

The second victim also described her experience as terrifying, emphasizing her fear that the abuse might happen again. She admitted that the trauma led her to lose control of her life in the years following the assaults, which she coped with through alcohol and suffering from low self-esteem, insomnia, and other health problems. She highlighted that participating in the court process had been a source of strength for her, and she expressed pride in her bravery for standing up against her abuser.

Both women conveyed their hope that their testimonies would serve as a warning to others and a step toward justice. The second victim concluded her statement with a powerful declaration: “I’m proud to say I managed to be brave. This ends today, it ends now. He did not destroy me as he may have hoped.” She also shared her intention to let go of resentment, aiming to diminish Bailey’s presence in her life to that of “less than a speck of dust.”

Judge Peter Johnson addressed the court, condemning Bailey’s actions and the profound impact on his victims. He stated, “You abused both girls by sexual touching. The effect on each has been considerable.” The judge noted Bailey’s lack of remorse, observing that he had shown no shame and remained unmoved during the victims’ testimonies. As a result, Bailey was sentenced to five years and four months in prison. Additionally, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits Bailey from having any contact with children, and he was placed on the Sex Offender Register to monitor his future conduct and prevent further offenses.