LARRY BALE FROM BRIDGWATER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Larry Bale, a 51-year-old resident of Greylake near Bridgwater, was brought before Taunton Crown Court to face serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a teenage girl. The incident in question reportedly occurred during the 1990s, a period during which Bale was accused of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Initially, Bale faced charges of rape; however, during the court proceedings, he chose to plead guilty to two counts of a lesser offence—indecent assault. This plea marked a pivotal moment in the case, leading to a sentencing that many might have expected to be more severe.

When Bale appeared in court last week, he was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as he was handed a three-year community order instead of imprisonment. The presiding judge, David Ticehurst, addressed the court and the defendant directly, emphasizing the context of Bale’s past conduct and current circumstances.

Judge Ticehurst stated, “There has been no repetition of this type of offending and you have no previous convictions of this type. The fact you have not acted in this way since the offences is significant. You have established what appears to be a law-abiding business and you are working hard for yourself and your family.”

He further added, “As I said earlier, it is not just criminals that suffer or the victims and their families – it is also your family that suffers. Imprisonment of 18 months would not address the underlying issues and problems that may have led to you committing these offences.”

Prosecutor Ian Dixey provided additional details, revealing that the offences took place in the late 1990s. He highlighted that the victim was significantly younger—more than 20 years his junior—at the time of the assault.

It was also disclosed that Bale manages a business from his home in Greylake during the summer months, while he is employed as a lorry driver during the winter, indicating a dual livelihood.

Overall, the case underscores the complexities of justice, where past offences are weighed against current conduct and the potential for rehabilitation, leading to a sentence that many might find controversial given the serious nature of the allegations.