October 2011 Two jailed for ‘callous’ abuse of young girl TWO men from Pucklechurch have been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl. Steven Hudd and Michael Roberts got to know the youngster when she was under 14 and both had sexual relations with her, Bristol Crown Court heard. Both men denied wrongdoing, but were convicted after a trial. Hudd, 28, of Lansdown Road, was convicted of sexually assaulting a child aged under 13 and four rapes of a child aged under 13. Roberts, 26, also of Lansdown Road, was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child aged under 16. The girl’s name and exact age cannot be revealed for legal reasons. Judge Michael Roach jailed Hudd for ten years and Roberts for five years. He told both men: “Every -one has to realise these offences are very serious. On the evidence, you treated (the girl) in an unpleasant and callous way.” Both men were given Sexual Offences Prevention Orders designed to keep them away from youngsters. The girl’s mother, who attended with the victim to view sentencing via video link from a separate room, told the Evening Post: “This was a horrible, horrible thing to have to go through and my daughter’s just pleased justice has been done. “I am glad that the justice system has seen right to convict these two men and remove them from our streets. No sentence would have been long enough to restore my daughter’s innocence. However, I am happy with today’s result and would like to thank the police and witness support for everything they have done for me and my family throughout this horrendous ordeal.” Edward Burgess, prosecuting, said the men were convicted unanimously after a jury deliberated for 15 hours. Roberts had no previous convictions but Hudd had a previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Nigel Fryer, for Hudd, said his client had been remanded in custody for a week and it had a “massive” impact on him. He told the court: “It was a totally alien environment and one he has struggled to cope with. He comes from a very loving background. He is keen to help others and he has always been friendly to others. “These convictions have destroyed his life. He lost his job early in proceedings, at a slaughterhouse, and proceedings have been hanging over his head for a period of time. That has caused massive stress for him.” Charles Row, defending Roberts, said: “I ask for a merciful sentence. He is not going to trouble these courts again. He is not somebody who is a risk. I ask for mercy on his behalf. He is devastated. His family are devastated. They are going to be separated for a considerable period.” Mr Row said 11 references described his client in glowing terms as “selfless, kind, compassionate, fun-loving and loyal”.
