BOLTON MAN STEVEN BRADBURY ADMITTED TO SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 14-YEAR-OLD MOTHER OF HIS CHILD IN BOLTON
In a case that has shocked the local community of Bolton, Steven Bradbury, aged 36, appeared before Bolton Crown Court to face serious allegations related to his past conduct involving a minor.The proceedings revealed a disturbing history of a sexual relationship with a girl who was only 14 years old at the time, leading to the birth of a child.
Bradbury, who resides on Platt Hill Avenue in Bolton, initially denied that he was the father of the child, but subsequent DNA testing conclusively proved his paternity, confirming his involvement in the relationship.
According to the prosecution, David Bentley, the incident in question dates back to February 2019, when a woman from Sussex reported to police that she had become pregnant after engaging in sexual activity with Bradbury in Bolton when she was just 14 years old.
The woman, whose identity remains protected, gave birth to her child in 2005.
Despite the evidence, Bradbury refused to acknowledge paternity at first, claiming he had no contact with the girl or her child since she moved away from Bolton fifteen years ago.
During the court hearing, Mr.
Bentley explained that the woman decided to come forward after reaching a point in her life where she felt it was necessary to report what had happened.
She expressed feelings of betrayal and disappointment, particularly noting her perception that her parents had failed to handle the situation appropriately at the time.
The woman recounted to officers that she had run away from home at the age of 12, began experimenting with drugs, and met Bradbury when she was 13 and he was 21.
Their relationship developed into a sexual one that lasted approximately four months before she was taken into care by social services.
It was during this period that she discovered she was pregnant.
Bradbury’s account to police was that he was unaware of the girl’s age, maintaining that their relationship was consensual.
However, the court was presented with the victim’s statement, which was read aloud by Mr.
Bentley.
In her statement, she expressed a desire for others in similar situations to receive the help they need, highlighting the lasting impact of her experiences.
Judge Graeme Smith, presiding over the case, acknowledged the significant age difference between Bradbury and the young girl.
He sentenced Bradbury to a 22-month prison term, which was suspended, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be subject to certain conditions.
Additionally, Bradbury was ordered to complete 160 hours of community service and to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse in Bolton and beyond.
