BATH MAN ROGER BOLAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING BOYS IN BRISTOL AND BATH

In July 2006, Roger Bolam, a man with a troubling history and known to have a predilection for befriending young boys, was sentenced to 40 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court. Bolam, aged 67 and a former champion boxer, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with minors, including touching two teenage boys. The court heard that Bolam had a pattern of using gifts and trips to lure young boys into his circle, revealing a disturbing level of premeditation and manipulation.

During the proceedings, the prosecution detailed Bolam’s previous offences, which included indecent assault on a male under 16 and three counts of unlawfully taking a child. It was revealed that Bolam would often give children money, typically £10 notes, and had spent approximately £2,800 on boys over time. One notable incident involved a trip to Cribbs Causeway, where Bolam spent around £600 on three boys, who used the money to purchase sports clothing. The group also visited fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and an ice-cream parlour, further illustrating Bolam’s attempts to ingratiate himself with the youths.

Prosecutor Andrew MacFarlane explained that Bolam, who resided on Gloucester Road in Bath, employed his Labrador dog, Bruce, as a tool to entice or intimidate boys. One teenage boy, who viewed Bolam as a 'paedophile,' recounted how he was given GBP 150 and was frightened when Bolam asked his friend for a sexual relationship. The boy also described how Bolam touched his knee and attempted to kiss his friend, noting that Bolam would lick his lips when he saw the boys together.

Another young person described how Bolam touched him on the face and legs and handed him money. The court was told that Bolam’s arrest followed an incident where he tried to give GBP 5 to a 14-year-old boy leaving school, an act that was challenged by a teacher. Upon arrest, Bolam admitted to giving money to children and acknowledged that some of his actions were driven by sexual attraction, stating that only a psychiatrist could understand why.

Judge Tom Crowther QC, the Recorder of Bristol, addressed Bolam directly, highlighting his significant prior history of inappropriate interest in young boys. The judge sentenced Bolam to 40 months in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender, and imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order. This order restricts Bolam from having contact with anyone under 16 without supervision and prohibits him from engaging in work involving children. Additionally, Bolam’s vehicle, which he used during his offending, was confiscated.

Bolam’s defense lawyer, William Hart, attempted to mitigate the severity of the sentence by emphasizing that Bolam’s previous convictions, which included child abduction, did not involve sexual acts at the time. Hart argued that Bolam had sought the company of young men and boys without any sexual intent, and that he was now aware of the need to change his ways. He pointed out that Bolam had abstained from offending for approximately 30 years but acknowledged the stigma and suffering he endured due to his past. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of Bolam’s actions and the ongoing concern for the safety of minors in the community.