BRISTOL COURT CONVICTS TWO FROM BATH AND RADSTOCK OVER CHILD SEX OFFENCES
Four men, including two from Bath and one from Radstock, have been found guilty of child sex offences following a five-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.On Tuesday, 19th April, these individuals received sentences for a total of 45 offences committed between 1996 and 2003.
The crimes involved two girls aged between seven and 15 years.
The convictions stem from a police investigation that was launched in 2016 after one of the victims disclosed the abuse.
Officers carried out extensive enquiries across the UK, reviewing numerous records from social care, education, digital media, previously conducted investigations, and reports to other authorities.
Grant McGill, 41, of Radstock, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for 35 counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child.
He also received an additional eight-week sentence after attempting to abscond during the trial.
Brian Parker, 48, from Wrexham, was convicted of eight offences including indecent assault, indecency with a child, and possession of indecent images of children.
He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of three years.
Derek McBride, 62, of Lansdown, Bath, received two years and six months in prison for four offences involving indecency with a child and indecent assault.
Having admitted these offences during police interviews, his sentence was reduced due to an early guilty plea.
Tim Dale, 42, from Twerton, Bath, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, for two counts of indecent assault.
Detective Sergeant Neil Wood, leading the investigation, commented: "These men acted independently but all targeted two young girls who were extremely vulnerable.
Their actions were predatory and utterly abhorrent." He added, "The victims displayed incredible patience throughout this long and complex investigation and showed great bravery in disclosing their experiences and giving evidence in court." Victim impact statements were read aloud during the sentencing.
One survivor expressed how the abuse left her feeling powerless around children, while the other emphasized that the harm caused would never be fully repaired.
Both victims thanked the court and reflected on the lasting effects of the abuse.
During sentencing, His Honour Judge Mark Horton noted that all the men had targeted vulnerable young girls who were unlikely to report the abuse or receive support.
He highlighted that both women would carry lifelong feelings of betrayal.
Judge Horton described Parker as a dangerous, predatory, calculated, and manipulative offender who showed no remorse.
He emphasized Parker's ongoing risk and ordered that he remain in prison until a parole board determines he no longer poses a threat.
The judge also praised Detective Sergeant Neil Wood for his dedication and outstanding contribution to the complex investigation.
If you have experienced sexual abuse or know someone who has, support is available.
Information on how to report abuse and access confidential help is provided on the Avon and Somerset Police website’s dedicated page.
