KEVIN FORD FROM BRIDGWATER JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ABUSE IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridgwater, Kevin Ford, aged 23, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of heinous abuse, including the exploitation of victims as young as four years old.

Ford, who resides on Wordsworth Avenue in Bridgwater, was convicted of abusing a 15-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl. These offenses occurred while he was under investigation for even more severe crimes involving a four-year-old child, whom he filmed during the abuse. The details of these crimes were read out in court, leaving the victims' families visibly distressed. The mother of the four-year-old victim was so overwhelmed by the revelations that she had to leave the courtroom in tears.

The police investigation uncovered a disturbing trove of digital evidence. Authorities seized multiple devices belonging to Ford, including phones, tablets, and laptops. These devices contained over 4,400 images and videos depicting child abuse, some of which Ford himself had filmed. Among the most shocking evidence was a video titled 'young girl fun,' which showed Ford abusing the four-year-old girl. It was also discovered that Ford had used his mother’s laptop to download additional images of child abuse, and he later handed over a tablet computer to investigators, further implicating him.

Ford admitted to several charges, including three counts of sexual activity, two counts of sexual assault, and five counts of making indecent images of children. He also pleaded guilty to inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity at Taunton Crown Court. His actions were described by the judge as vile, with the court highlighting how Ford exploited the vulnerabilities of his victims and their families to carry out these horrific acts. The court heard that Ford had no fixed address at the time of his arrest, which added to the concern about his ongoing threat to the community.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a total of 16 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of the offenses. Additionally, Ford was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and three restraining orders, which will prohibit him from entering the town of Bridgwater upon his release. The community and the victims’ families expressed their anguish as Ford was taken away to begin his sentence, with many in the public gallery visibly emotional and sobbing. The case has left a lasting impact on Bridgwater, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators like Kevin Ford.