DAVID EDWARDS FROM KEYNSHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BRISTOL AND KEYNSHAM

In a disturbing case that spans decades, David Edwards, a man with ties to Keynsham, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse committed in various locations, including Bristol and Keynsham. The details of his crimes reveal a pattern of predatory behavior targeting vulnerable young girls, with the most recent conviction adding to his lengthy criminal record.

In March 2019, Edwards, who was already serving an 18-year prison sentence for raping and indecently assaulting three young girls, appeared before Bristol Crown Court for sentencing on additional charges. He pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault against an eight-year-old girl, offenses that occurred prior to his current incarceration. The court was informed that the young victim, whose identity remains protected, was subjected to a horrifying routine orchestrated by her grandfather, who has since passed away.

The court heard that the girl was taken to a residence where a man, now deceased, would inappropriately touch her. Edwards would then take his turn, engaging in acts of abuse. The victim recounted that years later, she encountered Edwards again, and he recognized her, laughing and asking, “Do you remember me, do you remember what we used to do?” This encounter left her traumatized and haunted by the memories of her abuse.

Following her decision to report the abuse to police many years later, Edwards was already imprisoned for his previous crimes. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his misconduct, with the prosecution describing how the girl was forcibly stripped, blindfolded, and tied down in Edwards’ room before being subjected to further abuse. The impact statement she provided was heart-wrenching, expressing feelings of shame, anger, and ongoing emotional pain. She described her suffering as pervasive, stating, “Sexual abuse is in my skin. It is always there, just below the surface. I see it, I smell it, I hear it. I have anger, fear, and sadness.”

Judge William Hart sentenced Edwards to an additional two and a half years in prison, to run consecutively with his existing 18-year sentence. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting the psychological harm inflicted and the targeting of a particularly vulnerable child. He stated, “There was severe psychological harm caused. There was specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable child.”

Prosecutor Richard Posner detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, explaining that Edwards would take the young girl to his room under the pretense of listening to records. Once there, she would be stripped, blindfolded, and restrained before Edwards committed his acts of abuse. The victim’s statement highlighted the lasting damage, describing how her relationships and health have been adversely affected by the trauma inflicted by Edwards, whom she referred to as an “evil man.”

Earlier, in June 2012, Edwards was handed an 18-year prison sentence for a series of sexual offenses committed over nearly two decades. The court heard that Edwards, then aged 58 and residing on Warwick Road in Keynsham, had sexually abused three girls from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s. His victims included a girl aged between nine and 14, whom he raped and assaulted, a six-year-old girl in a garden shed, and another girl under 13 whom he indecently assaulted.

Edwards faced a total of 28 charges, including 10 counts of rape, 17 counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child. He denied all charges initially, but the jury found him guilty of multiple offenses. The court acquitted him of two of the rape charges and was undecided on two others. Judge Michael Roach sentenced him to serve two-thirds of his sentence, considering his previous good character, age, and medical difficulties. Edwards was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was prohibited from working with children.

The case against Edwards was only brought to light after his first victim, now a woman in her 40s, decided to break her silence and report the abuse to police in February of the previous year. Prosecutor Sarah Regan outlined that the abuse took place over a period spanning from 1975 to 1993, with Edwards betraying the trust of his victims. She recounted that the first victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was raped and assaulted while at “little school” when she was just eight or nine years old. Edwards allegedly told her to keep the abuse a secret.

Another victim recounted being sexually abused in Edwards’ garden shed during the 1980s. When questioned about the allegations, Edwards initially claimed they were lies. Detective Constable Jon Oakey, who led the investigation, described Edwards as a man of previously good character who committed a gross breach of trust over many years. Despite overwhelming evidence, Edwards contested the case, highlighting the betrayal and the gravity of his offenses.