MICHAEL RENDALL FROM BEDMINSTER INVOLVED IN CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ONLINE GROOMING IN BRISTOL

In July 2018, Michael Rendell, a man residing in Bedminster, was brought before the courts in connection with disturbing allegations involving online grooming and the sexual exploitation of minors. The court proceedings revealed that Rendell, a Christian charity worker, had engaged in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a vulnerable 14-year-old girl living in Hereford. These conversations included sexual chats, which the court indicated demonstrated Rendell's clear intention to meet the girl for sexual activity, although no such meeting ultimately took place.

Further investigations uncovered that Rendell had taken indecent photographs of a baby’s private parts, an act that added to the severity of his offenses. The court was informed that Rendell had also produced and possessed indecent images of children, with some of these images classified as Category A, indicating the most serious level of abuse. These images were created between October 2016 and March of the following year, and the indecent photos of the child were taken between June 2016 and March 2017.

Rendell, aged 36 and formerly of Wedmore Vale in Bedminster, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity during the period from December 2015 to December 2016. He also admitted to taking indecent photographs of a child and making indecent images of children within the same timeframe. The court heard that Rendell could not explain why he had photographed the baby’s private parts, raising further concerns about his motives and behavior.

Judge Michael Longman sentenced Rendell to 19 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. The judge also emphasized the seriousness of Rendell’s deviant sexual interests, stating, “A report about you refers to a deviant sexual interest in children.” As part of his rehabilitation, Rendell was ordered to undergo up to 60 days of counseling or treatment. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to prevent him from re-offending, and was required to register as a sex offender for ten years.

When leaving court, Rendell declined to comment on the proceedings. The court also heard that Rendell had engaged in online sexual conversations with a girl under the age of 16, which further highlighted the predatory nature of his actions. Despite the serious charges, the court adjourned sentencing to allow for a probation report and psychiatric assessment, with Judge Martin Picton noting that more information was needed before a final decision could be made. Rendell was released on bail under the condition that he cooperate fully with probation services as the legal process continued.