COLIN PRUDENCE SENTENCED IN BULWELL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In October 2001, a disturbing case unfolded in Nottingham involving pensioner Colin Prudence, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against young girls in the Bulwell area. Prudence, aged 65 at the time, was sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury found him guilty of raping a young girl who was a member of a junior jazz band in Bulwell. The incident reportedly took place during the early 1980s, a period when Prudence was actively involved in the local marching band scene, which he helped run.

During the trial at Nottingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Prudence had also sexually abused three other young girls during the same period. These victims, now in their late twenties, attended the court proceedings on a Tuesday to witness the sentencing. Judge Richard Benson addressed Prudence directly, stating, "You raped a little girl who was aged eight or nine. You took your chance with a jury, you have shown no remorse, contrition or regret. You have caused distress and anxiety to four young girls, two of whom became visibly upset at re-living these terrible experiences."

The judge further condemned Prudence for bringing shame upon his family, emphasizing that his actions were driven solely by self-interest and a desire to satisfy his own needs. One of the most severe allegations involved Prudence simulating sexual intercourse with a girl aged seven or eight, an act described by the court as one of the worst cases of indecent assault. For this particular offense, Prudence received a concurrent sentence of two years, which was the maximum penalty at the time; however, the maximum has since been increased to ten years.

The jury deliberated for five and a half hours over two days before reaching a verdict on all eight counts faced by Prudence. The conviction for rape was reached by an 11-to-one majority. During the proceedings, it was disclosed that the girls had visited Prudence’s home, where he and his wife were involved in running the band. The court heard harrowing testimony from the rape victim, who recounted how Prudence had shut the living-room door, sat next to her on the settee, and when she attempted to leave, he grabbed her head, pushed it against the door, and forced himself on her. She managed to scream, causing Prudence to release her, but she never returned to his house afterward. She also revealed that she did not tell her mother about the assault until she learned in November that Prudence was under police investigation, prompting her to come forward with a statement.

It was noted during the trial that Prudence had no prior criminal convictions. He suffered from coronary disease, although a medical report indicated that it was not possible to confirm whether he had angina. The court sessions during the trial were limited to three hours each day. Judge Benson commented on Prudence’s conduct, suggesting that a more cynical observer might think he was exploiting his position. However, the judge also took into account Prudence’s age, health issues, and previously good character when determining the sentence. Upon release, Prudence will be required to sign the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.