NIGEL TURNER BRISTOL SERIAL SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ATTACKS IN ST GEORGE
In August 2013, a disturbing case involving Nigel Turner, a known sex offender from Bristol, culminated in his sentencing at Bristol Crown Court for a series of heinous assaults committed in the St George area of the city.Turner, aged 33 and residing on Bryants Hill, had previously pleaded guilty to three separate attacks on young women, crimes that had instilled fear and anxiety among the local community.
During the court proceedings, Judge Neil Ford QC described Turner as a 'dangerous' individual whose actions posed a significant threat to the safety of young women in Bristol.
The judge emphasized that Turner’s pattern of offending demonstrated a high risk of causing serious harm in the future.
As part of his sentence, Turner was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
Upon his release, he will be subject to an extended license period of two and a half years, and he will remain on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses.
Throughout the attacks, Turner concealed his identity by wearing a black beanie hat and gloves, often donning additional disguises such as a balaclava.
His assaults took place in the St George district of Bristol, a neighborhood that was deeply affected by his actions.
The court heard that Turner’s inability to control his impulses was a key factor in his sentencing, with Judge Ford stating, “The fact remains you are unable to restrain yourself from committing these offences.” Turner, a married engineer who maintains a good relationship with his wife, showed little emotion as the sentence was handed down.
He was observed touching his wedding ring during the proceedings, but remained otherwise impassive.
Victims and members of the public gallery were visibly distressed, with some quietly sobbing as the court delivered its verdict.
Representing Turner, Edward Burgess read a letter from the offender, in which Turner expressed remorse: “I wish to express my deepest apologies to my victims and their families.
However, I am aware this apology can never make up for what my victims and their families have had to go through.
I am deeply ashamed of what I have done.” Following the sentencing, prosecutor James Ward stated that the punishment would serve to protect the residents of Bristol from further harm.
The series of assaults occurred in May and November of the previous year, causing widespread concern among the local community.
Specifically, on May 11, Turner targeted a 16-year-old girl walking home in St George.
Wearing gloves and a balaclava, he assaulted her before her friend intervened, pulling her away and causing both to run to safety.
Later that month, he committed a similar attack on another 16-year-old girl, again dressed in a beanie hat and gloves.
Six months later, on November 28, Turner approached a 24-year-old woman in the same neighborhood.
He initially grabbed her but fled after being disturbed by a passing vehicle.
In a subsequent act of deception, Turner returned to the scene of his final attack after discarding his disguise at his nearby residence.
He then approached the victim from a different direction, offering to comfort her and walk her home, an act that further demonstrated his predatory behavior.
Turner’s criminal activities were uncovered through CCTV footage, which captured him returning to the scene of his last assault in November.
In January, members of Avon and Somerset Police’s specialist sexual assault unit, known as Operation Bluestone, identified Turner standing on Furber Road.
They followed him to his home and subsequently executed a search warrant.
During the raid, officers discovered a substantial collection of stolen women’s underwear and clothing matching the items worn during the attacks.
His mobile phone was also seized for forensic analysis.
Detective Inspector Mike Buck commented on the case, stating, “This series of sexual assaults left residents living in fear of Nigel Turner.
He preyed on lone women for his own sexual gratification.
He is a predator, and I have no doubt that if he had not been caught, he would have gone on to commit more serious crimes.” Turner had previously admitted to multiple charges, including sexual assault, causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent, common assault, theft, and voyeurism, during an earlier hearing.
The case underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety, especially in communities like Bristol where such crimes have a profound impact.
