BRISTOL MAN PHILLIP BRITTON SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC CHILD RAPE CASE IN BRISTOL
In a case that has spanned decades, Phillip Britton, a man from Bristol, has finally been brought to justice for the heinous crime of raping his seven-year-old stepdaughter.The incident, which occurred in August 1977, remained a dark secret for many years, until recent revelations led to his conviction and sentencing.
Britton, who was then living in the household with his young stepdaughter Tina, followed her to her room one evening.
According to court records, he proceeded to tie her hands behind her back before subjecting her to a brutal sexual assault.
The young girl endured severe internal injuries as a result of the attack, injuries so grave that she required 40 stitches to close her wounds.
Initially, the incident was dismissed by those around her as a fall onto a toy, and no immediate action was taken.
Despite the initial lack of prosecution, Tina confided in her mother about the assault some months later.
The police were informed, but at that time, no further legal steps were taken.
Britton, believing he had evaded justice, continued his life unaware that the long arm of the law was closing in.
It was only in September 2011 that Tina, now 44 years old, summoned the courage to report the crime publicly, motivated by her desire to prevent any other potential victims from suffering at his hands again.
Her decision to come forward was driven by the fear that Britton might have harmed other young girls.
She expressed her relief that he was finally held accountable, stating, “It was the thought of it happening again that made me come forward.
I couldn’t live with myself if another innocent young girl’s life was ruined by that evil man.” Tina also praised the police for their support throughout the process, emphasizing that the case had caused division within her family, with some members doubting her account.
However, her perseverance led to Britton’s conviction.
At Bristol Crown Court, Britton, who was 63 at the time of sentencing, appeared dressed in a burgundy jumper, red fleece, and glasses perched on his nose.
The judge, Michael Longman, delivered a stern verdict, condemning Britton for his actions while highlighting the betrayal of trust involved, given his role as a stepfather.
The judge recounted the details of the assault, noting that Britton followed Tina to her room, tied her hands, and raped her, causing injuries that required medical treatment.
The court was told that Britton’s initial claim was that Tina had fallen on a toy, a story she later corroborated was false.
The defense, represented by Anna Vigars, attempted to portray Britton in a different light, emphasizing his contributions to the community and his wife’s support.
Ms.
Vigars highlighted Britton’s voluntary work with the elderly and his efforts to give back to society, asserting that he was a man of good character despite his past actions.
She also mentioned that Britton had expressed gratitude for the court’s consideration in allowing him to settle his affairs and visit his ill mother before facing a lengthy prison sentence.
Prosecutor Kirsty Real acknowledged Britton’s previous offences but stated they were not relevant to the current case.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Britton to ten years in prison, a decision that brought some measure of closure to Tina and her family.
The case has also prompted discussions about the importance of justice for victims of historic abuse, especially when the perpetrator believed they had escaped accountability.
In a separate development in November 2013, Britton, then aged 62 and residing in Croomes Hill, faced a potential life sentence after being found guilty of the historic rape.
The jury, composed of seven men and five women, unanimously convicted him at Bristol Crown Court.
Judge Longman ordered Britton to register as a sex offender and set a date for sentencing on December 6, emphasizing that the only remaining question was the length of his imprisonment.
Britton was remanded on bail pending the sentencing hearing, which would determine the severity of his punishment for the crimes committed decades earlier.
