REGINALD NAVARD BRISTOL CHILD RAPIST'S SHOCK EARLY RELEASE BID
In February 2012, a disturbing development emerged concerning Reginald Navard, a man convicted of heinous crimes committed over a span of nearly three decades in Bristol.Navard, aged 72 at the time, had been sentenced to a 20-year imprisonment for his involvement in the sexual abuse of children, acts that took place between 1975 and 2002.
Despite the severity and the long-lasting impact of his crimes, Navard has recently made an unexpected and controversial move to seek immediate release from prison on compassionate grounds, less than six months after beginning his sentence.
Navard, a former engineering worker residing in Evenlode Gardens, Shirehampton, was convicted last September following a trial that uncovered the extent of his criminal activities.
The court's sentencing reflected the gravity of his offenses, which included multiple counts of rape, indecency, and sexual assault involving three young victims.
During the trial, Navard admitted to 19 charges, including raping two minors, and indecency with a child under 14 on a boy.
He also confessed to raping and attempting to rape a girl under 14, along with four counts of indecent assault against her.
Judge Michael Roach, presiding over the case, emphasized the lifelong trauma inflicted by Navard’s actions, stating, “There is no doubt in my mind that they will carry the effect of what you did with them for the rest of their lives.” As part of his sentence, Navard was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was required to register as a sex offender for life.
The original sentencing plan stipulated that he would serve two-thirds of his sentence, which meant he would not be eligible for release until he reached the age of 84.
However, under the provisions of Section 248 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the Secretary of State has the authority to grant early release on compassionate grounds if exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.
This legal pathway has now been invoked by Navard, prompting significant concern among his victims and the wider community.
A victim, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, expressed her outrage upon learning of Navard’s application.
She conveyed her feelings in a letter seen by the Daily Press, stating, “I told them I didn’t care if he was dying.
He showed me no compassion, so why should I show him any?
He didn’t even plead guilty until I was about to take the stand and give evidence.
I find it incredible that four months after his conviction, he is to be released to torment me again.” She further explained her frustration, saying, “I have written to the secretary of state, but I have no idea whether that will make a difference or not.
I have no idea who can make this sort of decision and sleep at night.
It took 17 years for me to get justice, and he has only served four months.
I can’t believe it’s just four months down the line, and they are talking about letting him out.” In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated, “All applications for compassionate release are carefully considered against the published criteria.
Release is granted only in exceptional circumstances.” The case continues to draw attention to the delicate balance between justice, rehabilitation, and public safety in the context of serious sexual offenses.
