STEVAN HUDD AND MICHAEL ROBERTS FROM PUCKLECHURCH SENTENCED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL IN BRISTOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pucklechurch and the wider Bristol area, two men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident, which took place over a period when the girl was under the age of 14, has left a lasting scar on the victim and her family, and has prompted a strong response from the justice system.

According to court proceedings, Stevan Hudd, aged 28 and residing on Lansdown Road in Pucklechurch, was found guilty of multiple serious charges, including sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 and committing four separate rapes of a girl under 13. Alongside him, Michael Roberts, aged 26 and also from Lansdown Road, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 16 on two occasions. The identities and exact ages of the victim have been protected by law to preserve her privacy.

During the trial at Bristol Crown Court, both defendants denied the allegations. However, after a jury deliberated for 15 hours, they were convicted of the charges. Judge Michael Roach sentenced Hudd to ten years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of the offences and describing the acts as callous and unpleasant. Roberts received a five-year sentence. In addition to their prison terms, both men were subjected to Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, which are designed to prevent them from having contact with minors in the future.

The victim’s mother, who attended the sentencing via video link from a separate room, expressed her relief and relief that justice had been served. She told the Evening Post, “This was a horrible, horrible thing to have to go through and my daughter’s just pleased justice has been done. I am glad that the justice system has seen right to convict these two men and remove them from our streets. No sentence would have been long enough to restore my daughter’s innocence. However, I am happy with today’s result and would like to thank the police and witness support for everything they have done for me and my family throughout this horrendous ordeal.”

Prosecutor Edward Burgess highlighted the jury’s unanimous decision, which was reached after a lengthy 15-hour deliberation. He noted that Roberts had no prior convictions, whereas Hudd had a previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, adding context to the severity of the case.

Defense attorneys also presented their arguments. Nigel Fryer, representing Hudd, explained that his client had been remanded in custody for a week, which had a significant impact on him. Fryer described Hudd as coming from a loving background, noting his desire to help others and his generally friendly nature. He argued that the convictions had devastated Hudd’s life, causing him to lose his job at a slaughterhouse early in the proceedings and enduring considerable stress.

Similarly, Charles Row, defending Roberts, requested a merciful sentence, emphasizing that Roberts was unlikely to reoffend and was not considered a risk to the community. Row described Roberts as devastated and noted the impact on his family, who would be separated from him for a long period. He also highlighted that eleven references described Roberts in highly positive terms, including being “selfless, kind, compassionate, fun-loving, and loyal.”

Overall, the case has left a profound impact on the community of Pucklechurch and Bristol, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to protecting minors and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.