DEREK DEVINE BRISTOL SEX OFFENDER WHO SET FIRE TO NAVY SHIP COULD SPEND LIFE IN PRISON

In a case that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about public safety, Derek Devine, a 52-year-old man from Bristol, faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars following a series of heinous crimes committed after his release from a life sentence.

Devine's criminal history is notorious; he previously served 21 years in prison for a devastating act of arson that resulted in the death of a Royal Navy crewman. His initial conviction stemmed from a 1978 incident in Gibraltar, where he set fire to a naval vessel, recklessly endangering the lives of everyone aboard. The fire ultimately claimed the life of Royal Navy rating Leslie Mason. Devine was sentenced to life imprisonment for manslaughter and arson at the Old Bailey on September 9, 1983.

Despite his lengthy incarceration, Devine was released on licence in 2004, a decision that has since come under intense scrutiny. His release did not mark the end of his criminal activities. In April of this year, near Stroud, in Randwick Woods, he engaged in a series of disturbing acts involving young girls. He was observed grooming and sexually assaulting two girls, both approximately 12 years old, while they played in the woods. The assault was interrupted when Devine exposed himself as he left the scene, further demonstrating his reckless and predatory behavior.

According to court reports, the incident was brought to light when one of the girls confided in her mother about what had happened. Her grandfather, who had taken the girls to Randwick Woods, noticed Devine walking his dogs nearby. The grandfather approached the scene and observed Devine's suspicious behavior. During the encounter, Devine approached the girls and, while they were on a swing, touched each of them inappropriately. When the grandfather intervened, Devine moved away but not before exposing himself.

Following the incident, a police investigation was swiftly launched. The girls identified Devine, and he was arrested. During his time in custody, Devine made a shocking confession by calling police to admit to an earlier offence involving a girl he had groomed from the age of 10. However, the girl and her family chose not to pursue prosecution at that time.

Devine pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual assault against the two girls and to the charge of exposure. He also asked for the offence against the girl he had groomed to be taken into account. Judge William Hart sentenced him to two and a half years in prison for these latest offences. However, given that Devine has been recalled to serve the remainder of his life sentence following these sex offences, the decision on whether he will ever be released again now rests with the parole board.

Prosecutor Ian Fenny described the circumstances, noting that the girls' grandfather had observed Devine walking his dogs nearby and that his brief interaction with the girls raised suspicion. The court heard that Devine's actions included touching the girls while they played and exposing himself as he left the scene. The girls' bravery in reporting the incident led to Devine's arrest and subsequent conviction.

In light of his past and recent offences, Judge Hart imposed strict measures to prevent Devine from reoffending. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order was issued, prohibiting him from ever living or working with children. Additionally, Devine was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.