KIARAN BRADSHAW FROM DEVORAN AND REDRUTH SENTENCED IN CORNWALL FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST UNDERAGE GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Cornwall community, 19-year-old Kiaran Bradshaw has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against four underage girls. The offences took place over a span of years, involving various locations across Cornwall, including Redruth and Devoran, where Bradshaw resided at different times during the period of the crimes.

Bradshaw's trial at Truro Crown Court last month revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. He faced charges of raping and sexually assaulting seven young girls, with the jury ultimately returning mixed verdicts on the various counts. The court heard that Bradshaw had lived at several addresses during the time of the offences, notably including a children’s home in Redruth and foster homes in Devoran. These locations, known for their community ties, were now the sites of serious criminal allegations.

Among the convictions, Bradshaw was found guilty of raping one girl and engaging in three counts of penetrative activity with her. It was also established that he had previously admitted to another count of penetrative sexual activity involving a girl who was only 14 years old at the time, a minor whose identity remains protected by law. The court further convicted him of assault by penetration involving another 14-year-old girl, as well as sexual assault against a girl aged 12. Additionally, Bradshaw was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13.

Initially, Bradshaw faced a total of 20 sexual offence charges related to seven young girls, with incidents spanning from 2012 to 2014. These offences occurred at various locations around Cornwall, and all victims were under the age of 16. Despite the severity of the allegations, he was acquitted of charges of rape and sexual assault concerning three other underage girls, highlighting the complexity and nuances of the case.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, emphasized the gravity of Bradshaw’s actions, noting that he committed these offences despite being explicitly warned that engaging in sexual activity with minors under 16 was illegal. The judge expressed concern over the emotional impact on the victims, stating, “I have got to take into account the effect on your victims. [They] have been emotionally affected by your activities.”

He further described the victims as once being “happy-go-lucky teenagers,” who, after the offences, suffered psychological trauma. The judge remarked that although the victims might have had other personal struggles, the betrayal of their innocence by Bradshaw’s actions was profound.

Kiaran Bradshaw was sentenced to serve eight years in a young offender’s institution. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register indefinitely and to adhere to a sexual offences prevention order for the next ten years, measures designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse in Cornwall.