ROGER BULLIVANT SENTENCED IN COVENTRY FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST SISTERS FROM CANLEY

In October 2012, a disturbing case unfolded in Coventry involving Roger Bullivant, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, who was ultimately sentenced to 16 years in prison for heinous crimes committed against two young sisters from Canley.

Bullivant, aged 52 at the time, had previously lost his sight in 2002 due to complications from diabetes. Despite his visual impairment, he was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses, including the rape of one girl and an attempt to assault the other. In addition to these convictions, Bullivant admitted to four other charges involving one of the girls and three involving the other, which included inciting or causing them to engage in sexual activities with him.

The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of abuse that spanned several years. It was disclosed that Bullivant had a prior criminal record, having been placed on probation in 1988 after indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl who was staying at his home in Canley. His criminal history further included a three-year prison sentence handed down in 1994 for indecent assault against another young girl.

The recent offenses came to light when the two sisters, who had been victims, confided in each other about the abuse they endured at Bullivant’s hands. Their revelations prompted them to inform their father or step-father, who then contacted the police authorities. The abuse took place while the girls, aged 10 and 13 at the time, visited Bullivant’s residence, where he exploited their trust and friendship with their mother to carry out repeated acts of sexual violence.

During the court hearing, Rhona Campbell, representing Bullivant, emphasized that his poor health was a significant mitigating factor in his sentencing. However, Judge Robert Orme was unequivocal in his remarks, stating, “Only time will tell as to the eventual impact on these two very young teenagers; it may be it will have an impact on them for the whole of their lives.”

As part of his sentence, Bullivant was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the devastating effects of sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by someone trusted within the community of Canley and Coventry.