March 2014 Bristol man jailed for 11 years for rape and sex offences against 14 yr old girl A 44-year-old man from Bristol has been jailed for 11 years for committing rape and sexual offences against a teenage girl. Stephen Pennycott, of Mancroft Avenue, Lawrence Weston, admitted one count of rape and five counts of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court Investigating officer Det Sgt Amy Hewitt said: “Stephen Pennycott is a manipulative and calculating offender who targeted a vulnerable 14-year-old girl over a 17-month period. “He groomed the victim by buying her gifts, clothes and DVDs in order to build up her trust and then he betrayed that trust in the most horrific of ways. “This court case would not have been successful if it had not been for the bravery of the victim in standing up against her abuser. She has shown great strength of character and I have nothing but admiration for her. “I hope this shows other victims that they do not have to be afraid to report offences to us. Please have the confidence to report crimes as we can give you all the help and support you need.”