DANIEL BRYANT'S DECADES-LONG ABUSE IN BIDEFORD AND DEVON REVEALED AFTER 40 YEARS
| Red Rose Database
Bideford Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned over four decades, Daniel Bryant, a former police officer from Bideford, has been finally brought to justice for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys. The lengthy investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse that Bryant carried out from the late 1960s through the 1980s, with his actions only coming to light after persistent efforts by victims and authorities.
Bryant, aged 65 and residing in Bideford, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault against five boys, with the earliest offenses dating back to 1969. His crimes included indecent assaults committed between January 1969 and December 1970, as well as further offenses from March 1974 through September 1985. The court heard that Bryant, who was once celebrated for his contributions to youth work and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1985, led a double life as a predatory abuser while maintaining a respectable public image.
One of Bryant’s victims, Russel Dawson, who was just 13 years old when the abuse began, bravely came forward to recount his ordeal. He revealed that Bryant, who was involved in a police-run surf lifesaving club in Saunton Sands during the 1980s, had assaulted him multiple times during weekend trips. Dawson, now 45, described how he was sexually abused by Bryant on numerous occasions, starting when he was 14. Despite reporting the abuse to police in 1987, Dawson was told that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution, a decision that left him feeling devastated and betrayed.
He recounted that he provided a detailed statement, but later received a letter from authorities indicating that they could not pursue charges. Further, he was visited by a senior police officer who warned him and his family about the potential 'horrendous ordeal' a civil case might entail, leading Dawson to drop his pursuit of justice. The police continued to investigate, but Bryant remained employed as a police constable in Devon and Cornwall until 1993, when he was suspended following the emergence of a new victim.
Despite the mounting allegations, Bryant retired on medical grounds in 1994, avoiding immediate prosecution. It was only in recent years that the case was reopened, leading to his eventual arrest and charges. Dawson expressed ongoing pain and frustration, stating that the abuse had been 'crippling and devastating' and criticizing the police for their handling of the case, which he believed was marred by a cover-up.
Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case, expressed regret that Bryant was not prosecuted earlier, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved. Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to justice, asserting that no offense, regardless of how long ago it was committed, is beyond their reach. They highlighted that Bryant’s position as a police officer made his crimes an unforgivable betrayal of public trust.
In addition to his criminal conviction, Bryant’s involvement with Surf Life Saving GB was terminated immediately after the allegations surfaced. Esther Pearson, the chief executive of the organization, confirmed that Bryant had no contact with children in his role since 1993 and that the organization takes safeguarding policies very seriously.
Another victim, who had reported the abuse 25 years prior, called for an independent inquiry into the delayed justice, expressing concern that Bryant’s continued work with youth until his suspension in 1993 might have allowed further victims to be harmed. This victim, Russel Dawson, detailed his harrowing experience, describing how Bryant assaulted him multiple times and how he felt unable to speak out at the time due to fear and societal taboos.
As Bryant faces a lengthy prison sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding children. The community of Bideford and the wider Devon area are left grappling with the revelations of betrayal by someone they once trusted, and the enduring impact on the victims who endured his abuse in silence for decades.
Bryant, aged 65 and residing in Bideford, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault against five boys, with the earliest offenses dating back to 1969. His crimes included indecent assaults committed between January 1969 and December 1970, as well as further offenses from March 1974 through September 1985. The court heard that Bryant, who was once celebrated for his contributions to youth work and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1985, led a double life as a predatory abuser while maintaining a respectable public image.
One of Bryant’s victims, Russel Dawson, who was just 13 years old when the abuse began, bravely came forward to recount his ordeal. He revealed that Bryant, who was involved in a police-run surf lifesaving club in Saunton Sands during the 1980s, had assaulted him multiple times during weekend trips. Dawson, now 45, described how he was sexually abused by Bryant on numerous occasions, starting when he was 14. Despite reporting the abuse to police in 1987, Dawson was told that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution, a decision that left him feeling devastated and betrayed.
He recounted that he provided a detailed statement, but later received a letter from authorities indicating that they could not pursue charges. Further, he was visited by a senior police officer who warned him and his family about the potential 'horrendous ordeal' a civil case might entail, leading Dawson to drop his pursuit of justice. The police continued to investigate, but Bryant remained employed as a police constable in Devon and Cornwall until 1993, when he was suspended following the emergence of a new victim.
Despite the mounting allegations, Bryant retired on medical grounds in 1994, avoiding immediate prosecution. It was only in recent years that the case was reopened, leading to his eventual arrest and charges. Dawson expressed ongoing pain and frustration, stating that the abuse had been 'crippling and devastating' and criticizing the police for their handling of the case, which he believed was marred by a cover-up.
Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case, expressed regret that Bryant was not prosecuted earlier, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved. Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to justice, asserting that no offense, regardless of how long ago it was committed, is beyond their reach. They highlighted that Bryant’s position as a police officer made his crimes an unforgivable betrayal of public trust.
In addition to his criminal conviction, Bryant’s involvement with Surf Life Saving GB was terminated immediately after the allegations surfaced. Esther Pearson, the chief executive of the organization, confirmed that Bryant had no contact with children in his role since 1993 and that the organization takes safeguarding policies very seriously.
Another victim, who had reported the abuse 25 years prior, called for an independent inquiry into the delayed justice, expressing concern that Bryant’s continued work with youth until his suspension in 1993 might have allowed further victims to be harmed. This victim, Russel Dawson, detailed his harrowing experience, describing how Bryant assaulted him multiple times and how he felt unable to speak out at the time due to fear and societal taboos.
As Bryant faces a lengthy prison sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding children. The community of Bideford and the wider Devon area are left grappling with the revelations of betrayal by someone they once trusted, and the enduring impact on the victims who endured his abuse in silence for decades.