DAVID EDWARDS FROM CLIFTON WOOD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE RUNAWAY IN BRISTOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, David Edwards, aged 51, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a series of heinous crimes involving a teenage runaway. The incident began when Edwards, driving his Jaguar, encountered a 14-year-old girl who had escaped from care and was attempting to find safety. He stopped his vehicle on Warwick Avenue in Easton and engaged her in conversation, seemingly offering assistance or companionship.

What followed was a prolonged period of abuse that lasted for over a week. Edwards took the girl to his residence located in Argyle Place, Clifton Wood, where he subjected her to repeated sexual assaults. During this time, he also provided her with alcohol, further compromising her ability to make sound decisions. The abuse persisted for eight days, during which Edwards filmed some of the acts. Shockingly, he coerced the girl into acting out a disturbing scenario on camera, in which she was made to pretend she was ten years old, with Edwards portraying her father and engaging in sexual acts.

Investigations into the case revealed that Edwards possessed a significant collection of illegal material. His laptop contained 298 indecent images and videos of children, alongside a small number of extreme pornographic images involving bestiality. Edwards admitted to possessing these images, and in May of the previous year, he was convicted after a trial of seven charges related to engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

During the sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court, the victim, who appeared to be smiling, watched as Judge Michael Longman handed down the sentence. Edwards was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence. The judge described him as a dangerous offender and emphasized that Edwards was fully aware that the girl was underage. The court heard that the girl had informed Edwards of her age, yet he continued to pursue her, picking her up from the streets and taking her to his home, where he stayed for a week despite knowing her vulnerability.

In addition to his prison sentence, Edwards was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order prohibits him from using the internet without supervision and from living with children. He is also required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Prosecutor Fiona Elder highlighted the severity of Edwards' illegal material, noting that it included images of children as young as eight being abused. She expressed concern that Edwards had feared he might upload footage of the girl onto the internet, adding to the distress experienced by the victim.

Defense lawyer Darren Burleigh argued that Edwards had not uploaded any indecent images or videos of the girl and claimed that he had not subjected her to gratuitous violence. However, the court found the evidence sufficient to convict him of serious offenses.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Katherine Davis of Operation Bluestone, the police unit investigating sexual offenses, described Edwards as a dangerous individual. She stated, “The sentence protects communities from him targeting young, vulnerable people,” and acknowledged the relief felt by the victim, who found the court process stressful. Detective Davis urged anyone who has been a victim of sexual offenses to contact Operation Bluestone at 101 for support and assistance.