STEPHEN MELHUISH SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR PAEDOPHILIA IN KINGSWOOD

In a case that has shocked the community of Kingswood, Stephen Melhuish, a 55-year-old self-employed computer engineer residing on Willis Road, was handed a ten-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving two young girls. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, included a series of disturbing assaults that left lasting scars on the victims and their families.

During the proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, it was revealed that Melhuish had sexually molested two girls at different times, with their ages at the time of abuse ranging from as young as eight to as old as 15. The court heard that Melhuish had denied a total of 29 counts of indecent assault, two charges of indecency with a child, and one attempted rape involving one of the victims. Additionally, he faced eight charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child concerning the second girl. Despite his denials, the jury found Melhuish guilty of 32 charges, while acquitting him of eight indecent assault counts based on the directions of the trial judge, Michael Longman.

It was also disclosed that Melhuish had previously pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornography, which depicted acts of bestiality, adding to the gravity of his criminal record. Judge Longman emphasized the seriousness of the offences, stating, “These are grave offences,” as he sentenced Melhuish to serve half of his ten-year term in prison before being eligible for release on licence. Furthermore, Melhuish was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, and his computer equipment was confiscated as part of the court’s measures.

A relative of one of the victims expressed a sense of justice being served, with an uncle stating simply to the Evening Post, “Justice has been done.” Detective Constable Andy Palmer, who led the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “I think the sentence reflects the crime. This was a long, drawn-out case, and the two girls suffered for a number of years. Mr. Melhuish has not admitted his guilt. I believe he is in denial. The girls gave very strong evidence, which was reflected in the jury’s verdicts.”

Prosecutor James Ward recounted that in December 2009, the two girls approached police with disclosures about Melhuish’s past abuse, revealing that they had been subjected to his molestation when they were children. The victims described how Melhuish would grop their private areas and, in one case, attempted to force himself upon one of them. Both girls provided personal statements to the court, describing how the abuse had severely impacted their confidence and ability to trust men in future relationships.

Defence lawyer Louis French acknowledged his client’s possession of extreme pornography but emphasized Melhuish’s previously good character and expressed remorse for the conviction. French stated, “He’s here with a bag. He’s had the courage to be here to face the music. I ask that your honour doesn’t crush him.” The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offences committed by Stephen Melhuish in Kingswood, leaving a lasting impact on the victims and the community alike.