78-year-old man jailed for sexual offences, including rape, against child during the 1970s and 1980s

A 78-year-old man has been jailed for 20 years for historic sexual offences against a young girl including three counts of rape.

Brian David, of Wells Road, Totterdown, Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday (December 20) after a jury found him guilty of 13 non-recent crimes – eight indecent assaults along with three counts of rape and two of buggery - all the offences were committed against a young girl when she was aged nine to 16.

The offences took place throughout the 1970s and 80s - a court heard how David subjected his victim to several ‘horrific’ rapes and sexual assaults. David has been handed an indefinite restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim in addition to his sentence,

The victim, who can not be named, said in a statement: “He is still screwing up my life because of the flashbacks I have. I smell his cigarette smoke every day and certain words set me off on a regular basis. Brian knows he is guilty and I want him to remember every day what he did to me. He ruined my life.”

Detective Sergeant Oliver Pond, an officer in the case, praised the courage shown by the victim to bring David to justice, saying: “I don’t underestimate the strength it must have taken to come forward after suffering such a crime. This has been a lengthy and protracted investigation and the survivor of these horrific offences has displayed exceptional bravery and resilience.

“I hope this sentence goes some way to reassure the public and all survivors of sexual abuse that we take these offences incredibly seriously.”

Details of organisations that can offer help and support to victims of rape and sexual abuse can be found here www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rape-and-sexual-assault/