STEPHEN AMOS

TAUNTON PAEDOPHILES JAILED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

Four men, including Stephen Amos, Logan Morris, Joseph Foster, and Martin Belgium, have been sentenced to a combined total of 71 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults on children.

The conviction followed a six-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, where they were found guilty of a total of 27 offences.

The majority of the abuse occurred from the late 1970s to the late 1990s, with some incidents occurring as recently as 2012.

The victims consisted of nine children—seven girls and two boys—all under the age of 16 at the time of the offences, with the youngest being just five years old.

Amos, 62, was convicted of one count of indecent assault, one count of indecency with a child, and four rapes; he was sentenced to an extended determinate sentence of 22 years, with 18 years to be served in custody.

Morris, 71, was convicted of six indecent assaults and three attempted rapes and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Foster, 74, was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault, one attempted rape, three charges of indecency with a child, and two rapes; he received an extended determinate sentence of 22 years, with 18 years imprisonment.

Belgium, aged 55, was convicted of two indecent assaults and two attempted rapes and was sentenced to 12 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Bryan-Young praised the victims’ bravery and emphasized the men’s abuse of trust for personal sexual gratification, noting the lasting impact on their victims.

She highlighted that the offenders' refusal to accept responsibility and their forcing victims to relive their trauma through testimony demonstrated the severity of their crimes.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to tackling sexual abuse and encouraging victims to come forward, providing contact information for reporting suspicions and crimes.

The case underscores the police force’s dedication to safeguarding children and ensuring justice.