BRISTOL MAN STEVEN OSGOOD SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF WOMAN AND CHILDREN
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Bristol, Steven Osgood, a 44-year-old man residing on Selbrooke Crescent, was sentenced to a total of 17 years and six months in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a woman and young boys.The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his crimes, which spanned several years and involved vulnerable victims.
According to the evidence presented at Bristol Crown Court, Osgood targeted two young boys, one as young as five years old and the other ten, subjecting them to sexual abuse.
The court heard that he had a prior conviction for sexually abusing a woman, indicating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
The jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, three sexual assaults on a boy under the age of 13, and two charges related to engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Judge Martin Picton, presiding over the case, described Osgood as a dangerous offender under the provisions of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act.
Despite this classification, the judge deemed a fixed-term, determinate sentence appropriate given the severity of the crimes.
During the sentencing, Judge Picton emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Osgood’s actions on his victims.
He stated, “The effect was profound.
One of your victims referred to you as ruining his life.
His vulnerability is obvious and well-known to you.
You preyed on them and used them, cynically, as sexual objects to fulfill your desires.
You had a spiteful and cruel attitude towards them.” Osgood, in a defiant response, told the court, “I shall appeal against it.” As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order.
This order prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with minors, aiming to protect other children from potential harm.
The case was further supported by a trial held in June, during which a jury found that Osgood had inappropriately touched a ten-year-old boy, coerced the boy into touching him, and raped him.
Additionally, he was convicted of groping another profoundly vulnerable young boy in a sexual manner.
A probation report highlighted that Osgood remains in denial about his wrongdoing, complicating efforts for rehabilitation.
Neil Treharne, representing Osgood, provided a defense that pointed to his client’s troubled background, stating, “Mr.
Osgood was abused as a child himself.
That is no excuse but certainly had an impact on him and his earlier offending.
He suffers from physical health issues and personality problems.
His health issues are the main focus of his life.
He’s finding custody difficult.” The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need to safeguard the community from further harm by this individual.
