Man jailed for historical child sex offences

The three victims of a 48-year-old sex offender, two of whom were under 14 at the time, have spoken out about his abuse, with one saying she is still rebuilding her life decades later.

Robert Caradain, of no fixed address and formerly known as Robert Gallop, was sentenced to 17 years and 10 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court for offences committed between 1991 and 2000.

He pleaded guilty in March 2024 to seven counts of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault involving two girls under 14.

Caradain was later found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of indecent assault against a woman over 16 after a trial in December.

In a written statement read out at the sentencing, one of the victims said: "Writing this statement is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I need [you] to understand how deeply this has affected my life.

"What was done to me didn't just hurt me in those moments - it reshaped my entire life.

"It took away my safety, my trust, and the sense of innocence every child deserves."

Another victim read a statement in court, saying: "It has shaped my life, my relationships, and even my experience of motherhood.

"I have worked hard to rebuild myself and create a safe, loving home for my children, but the emotional and psychological impact of what was done to me has been significant."

The third victim said: "The trauma has touched every part of my life, even the parts which should have been safe. What happened to me did not end when the abuse ended. I am still rebuilding myself, piece by piece."

Alongside the jail sentence, Caradain was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Officer in the case, DC James Birks, from Avon & Somerset Police, said: "I want to pay tribute to [the victims'] remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking about what happened to them – that courage has ensured this dangerous individual has been brought to justice and no one else will suffer at his hands."

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