JOHN ALWAY BRISTOL SEX OFFENDER FROM BRADLEY STOKE SENTENCED FOR ABUSE

In September 2018, John Alway, a man previously convicted of serious sexual offenses, was released from prison after serving half of his sentence. His release marked the beginning of a period during which he was required to adhere to strict licensing conditions, as part of his parole terms. Alway, who resides on Juniper Way in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, had a long history of criminal behavior related to sexual abuse, which had garnered significant media attention and public concern.

Back in June 2013, Alway faced a high-profile trial at Bristol Crown Court, where he was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual misconduct involving young girls. The court heard that he had sexually abused at least seven girls across four different schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire over a span of several years, specifically between 1997 and 2004. The allegations detailed a pattern of predatory behavior by Alway, who was then a supply teacher entrusted with the care and education of children.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Alway had repeatedly breached the trust placed in him as an educator. The judge, Judge Michael Longman, sentenced him to a term of ten years and six months in prison. In his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the gravity of Alway’s betrayal of the trust that society places in teachers and caregivers. He stated, “It is hard to think of any greater trust than one we place in those who teach and care for our children. You repeatedly and persistently behaved in a flagrant breach of that trust by behaving indecently towards young girls who were at the time entrusted to your care.”

The judge further explained that Alway’s misconduct spanned approximately seven years, during which he took advantage of opportunities to inappropriately touch and sexually exploit his young victims. The court heard that Alway not only acted opportunistically but also created situations that allowed him to indulge in his inappropriate behavior for his own sexual gratification. The victims, who sat in the public gallery during the sentencing, were visibly distressed, with some weeping as the sentence was announced.

Following the trial, Detective Sergeant Nigel Curnock commented on the case, highlighting the betrayal of trust involved. He stated, “He was expected to help and nurture these young girls but instead he took advantage of them to carry out acts for his own sexual gratification.” Curnock also noted that the investigation was lengthy and challenging, but ultimately successful. Initially, Alway was charged and tried for offenses against three girls. However, as media coverage increased and more victims came forward, the number of charges grew to 23, involving five additional victims.

Alway was also cleared of five counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent assault, but the overall verdict condemned his actions. As part of his sentence, he was permanently barred from working with children, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the risk he posed to the community.

In the same year, 2013, Alway was convicted of abusing two more pupils, bringing the total number of victims to six girls. The jury found him guilty of 15 counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault, but acquitted him of seven other charges. The court was also considering allegations from an eighth complainant, with deliberations ongoing at the time. Alway, a married father of two, continued to deny the allegations, asserting his innocence against all charges.

Throughout the trial, the jury carefully examined the evidence presented, which included testimonies from the victims and other witnesses. The verdicts reflected a pattern of inappropriate behavior, with some victims found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault, while others were acquitted of certain charges. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of betrayal by trusted adults.