BRISTOL MAN PAUL WORGAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the Bristol community, Paul Worgan, a 46-year-old machine operator residing in Bedminster Down, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl under the age of 15. The incident, which took place in Bristol, was brought to light during a court hearing at Bristol Crown Court, where disturbing details of Worgan’s misconduct were revealed.

According to court records, Worgan engaged in inappropriate physical contact with the young girl, who was under 15 at the time. He not only touched her improperly but also coerced her into stripping, actions that constitute serious sexual offenses. Worgan pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault by penetration and for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, acknowledging his guilt before the court.

Judge Michael Longman, presiding over the case, emphasized the profound and lasting impact such abuse can have on a young victim. He stated, “The effect on her will no doubt be long lasting and incalculable,” underscoring the severity of the crime and its potential to cause enduring trauma.

As part of his sentencing, Worgan was issued a sexual offences prevention order, a legal measure intended to prevent him from having contact with minors in the future. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a requirement that will follow him for the rest of his life and serve as a reminder of his criminal actions.

Detective Constable Marie Stephen, who led the investigation, commented on the case’s complexity and the bravery of the young victim. She remarked, “It was a very difficult case that required courage on behalf of the victim in being able to come forward and explain what happened. It is a successful outcome.”

Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall detailed how Worgan initially befriended the girl and then engaged in inappropriate conduct. She explained, “He considered it normal, and he told her not to tell her mother.” The court heard that when the girl eventually disclosed the abuse, Worgan denied any wrongdoing. Cornwall added, “He made partial admissions and said it would stop. It didn’t come to an end, and he asked to see her body again. She told her friends what was happening, which led her to report the matter to police.”

During police interviews, Worgan denied the allegations and initially claimed that the girl fabricated the story for her own reasons. However, his guilty plea was seen as a significant step, with defense lawyer Robert Duval emphasizing that Worgan’s admission of guilt was crucial for the victim’s healing process. Duval stated, “Guilty pleas are too few and far between. It requires a degree of courage to plead guilty. A guilty plea means she does not have to give evidence and it’s a demonstration of remorse.”

Duval also highlighted that Worgan accepted responsibility for his actions and had not attempted to blame the victim. He acknowledged that the girl described the abuse as “horrible” and confirmed that the misconduct occurred on multiple occasions. The defense lawyer expressed remorse on behalf of Worgan, saying, “He is sorry. He can’t do anything to turn back the clock. He would undertake treatment viewed as appropriate for him.”

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community and underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from sexual exploitation and abuse in Bristol.