MARK BRADLEY FROM AMESBURY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX CRIMES IN WINCHESTER

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Amesbury and the surrounding areas, Mark Bradley, a man previously residing on Antrobus Road, has faced the full weight of justice for a series of heinous crimes committed against young children. The legal proceedings, which spanned over a year, culminated in a conviction that underscores the severity of his actions and the devastating impact on his victims.

Back in August 2011, Judge John Dixon delivered a stark and condemnatory statement, describing Bradley as “an animal” due to the brutal and callous nature of his offenses. The court found him guilty of multiple counts, including four charges of rape, two of which involved victims aged between 13 and 15, along with three counts of cruelty to a child. The jury also convicted him of causing actual bodily harm, four counts of indecent assault, and one sexual assault. These crimes, which began when the victims were as young as seven years old, spanned several years and involved repeated abuse and intimidation.

Throughout the trial, Bradley maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. However, the jury at Winchester Crown Court was convinced of his guilt after a rigorous four-week trial that commenced on May 16. Judge Dixon, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the chilling and shocking nature of the case, highlighting the profound and incalculable damage inflicted upon the victims. The court sentenced Bradley to a total of 16 years in prison, with a minimum of eight years to be served before he could be considered for parole. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, reflecting the ongoing concern for public safety.

During the sentencing hearing, Bradley reacted with defiance, shouting, “I have done nothing to be ashamed of,” as he was led away. The judge condemned his lack of remorse and the brutal manner in which he had conducted himself, stating, “You abandoned any humanity you had. You behaved like an animal — a callous and brutal one at that.”

Following the conviction, Bradley sought to challenge his verdict by appealing to the Court of Appeal in Winchester. His legal team argued that errors during the trial, including the way the case was summarized to the jury, the adequacy of evidence explanation, and the directions given to the jury, might have compromised the fairness of the proceedings. However, on the day of the appeal hearing, three senior judges, including Lord Justice Elias, dismissed his case. Lord Justice Elias stated that “no stone has been unturned” by Bradley’s lawyers in their efforts to find errors, but ultimately, “we think there is nothing in these grounds of appeal.”

Throughout the proceedings, authorities and police officials expressed their outrage and concern. A spokesman for Wiltshire Police described Bradley as “a manipulative and depraved man who intimidated and sexually abused these girls over a period of many years.” The police praised the bravery of the victims who came forward to report the abuse, acknowledging the trauma they endured in reliving their experiences during the investigation. The police also urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, emphasizing their commitment to justice and victim support.

Overall, the case of Mark Bradley has served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators. The community of Amesbury and the wider region now grapples with the aftermath of these revelations, hoping that justice has been served and that measures are in place to prevent such horrors from recurring.