PAUL ISAAC BRISTOL CHURCHGOER AND PSYCHIATRIC NURSE GUILTY OF DOUBLE RAPE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Bristol, Paul Isaac, a church-going psychiatric nurse, was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl, aged just 14.The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over a period during which Isaac, aged 42 and residing on Deering Close, Lawrence Weston, exploited the trust placed in him by the victim and her family.
Despite being regarded by many as a 'good bloke' and a respected member of the local community, the reality uncovered in Bristol Crown Court painted a starkly different picture.
The jury was informed that Isaac, who had been warned about inappropriate conduct in the past, repeatedly forced himself upon the vulnerable girl on multiple occasions.
These assaults began when she was only 14 years old, and the court heard that Isaac's actions had a profound and damaging impact on her mental health and well-being.
As the verdict was delivered, Isaac was led away to the cells, and the emotional scene unfolded.
The victim’s mother, visibly distressed and overwhelmed by the gravity of the case, broke down in tears and, in a moment of defiance, shouted and displayed two fingers at Isaac as he was taken into custody.
The court was told that the abuse inflicted upon the girl contributed to a series of serious issues in her life, including self-harming behaviors, dropping out of school, difficulties forming personal relationships, and persistent suicidal thoughts.
During the trial, Isaac denied five charges of raping the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and also denied indecently assaulting her.
However, he pleaded guilty to a charge of indecency with a child.
After a week-long trial, the jury unanimously convicted him of two counts of rape and one of indecent assault, while acquitting him of the remaining charges.
The judge, Recorder of Bristol Judge Neil Ford QC, sentenced Isaac to 11 years in prison, emphasizing the severe impact of his actions.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ford stated, “The effect of your behaviour upon (the girl) has been very significant indeed.
There may have been other contributory factors, but I have no doubt at all that the predominant cause of her continuing problems is your abuse of her.” The court also ordered Isaac to register as a sex offender for life and to adhere to a sexual offences prevention order, which is designed to prevent him from having contact with minors.
Prosecutor Robin Shellard highlighted that Isaac had been warned by his church pastor about his “unnatural affections” towards the girl.
Shellard explained that Isaac was battling internal conflicts, describing him as a church-goer who struggled with lust and temptation from what he termed as “the Devil.” Shellard further detailed that the young girl, described as “a very vulnerable 14-year-old,” initially believed Isaac to be “fun,” but the prosecution argued that Isaac’s actions were a calculated attempt to gain her trust.
Court evidence revealed that Isaac would cuddle the girl, discuss sexual topics with her, and touch her inappropriately when alone.
The girl confided in a friend, who documented her concerns in a diary and reported the matter to their school authorities.
Despite these warnings, police reports indicated that when authorities were alerted, the girl downplayed the severity of the abuse, and Isaac was merely cautioned.
This leniency allowed him to continue his misconduct, which led to the girl’s descent into self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, truancy, and self-harm.
In court, Isaac admitted that after being cautioned for his inappropriate conduct, he still harbored feelings for the girl.
He claimed that when she was 14, he asked her if she wanted to have sex, and she responded affirmatively.
Isaac stated, “I felt just by her behaviour that she wanted sex with me.
I wanted sex with her, I suggested it, she said ‘yes’ and we had sex.” His admission underscored the gravity of his actions and the betrayal of trust involved in this case, which has left the Bristol community deeply shaken.
