DANIEL BRYANT FROM ABINGTON, NORTHAMPTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON DISABLED TEENAGER

In a case that has shocked the Northampton community, Daniel Bryant, a 30-year-old resident of Broadmead Avenue in Abington, Northampton, has been sentenced to a significant prison term after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a vulnerable 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in December 2010, involved Bryant exploiting the girl’s trust after they initially connected through a social networking platform.

According to court proceedings, Bryant created a false online persona, pretending to be an 18-year-old male on the social networking site Netlog. He initiated contact with the girl, who has a medical condition affecting her muscular abilities, and it was clearly indicated on her profile that she was only 14 years old. Despite this, Bryant continued to communicate with her, leading to a dangerous and manipulative relationship.

The prosecution, led by Felicity Gerry, revealed that the girl believed Bryant was her boyfriend, which facilitated their subsequent meetings. The first encounter occurred in December 2010, during which Bryant suggested they go back to her flat. Court documents state that Bryant kissed her on the lips and cheek and then asked her if she wanted to go into the bedroom. He then instructed her to remove all her clothes, an act that marked the beginning of a series of sexual assaults.

It was confirmed that Bryant engaged in sexual intercourse with the girl, who was a virgin at the time. The court heard that Bryant met her on two additional occasions, with the final meeting culminating in full sexual intercourse. The girl eventually confided in her mother about what had transpired, leading to Bryant’s arrest. Authorities seized his computer, which contained evidence of his disturbing online activity, including 47 indecent images. Investigations also revealed that Bryant had searched the internet for terms such as “free pictures of rape” and “pre-teen lesbians,” indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud, describing how Bryant’s actions had “destroyed” the girl’s life. It was noted that her physical condition had worsened as a result of the trauma. The court was also informed that Bryant had been charged with possessing 47 indecent images, further highlighting his disturbing online behavior.

Recorder Helen Malcolm QC described Bryant’s conduct as “unforgivable,” criticizing his decision to plead guilty only shortly before the trial, which forced the girl to endure a year of uncertainty and fear about giving evidence in front of a jury. She emphasized that as an adult, Bryant bore full responsibility for his actions, which included lying to and manipulating the young girl.

In addition to his prison sentence, Bryant was disqualified from working with young people for the rest of his life. He received a six-year term for sexual activity with a child, along with an additional two years, to be served concurrently, for other sexual offenses. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation.