Description
A Twerton man found guilty of a dozen of historical sex offences, including the rape of an underage girl, has been jailed for more than 11 years.
David Matthews, aged 61, of Linley Close, off Poolemead Road, abused two girls on multiple occasions in the 1990s and 2000s, the court heard.
The jury found Matthews guilty of ten counts of indecently assaulting a girl during a six-day trial at Bristol Crown Court in January.
He was also found guilty of the attempted rape of a girl under the age of 16 and guilty of raping a girl aged 13, 14 or 15, by a majority verdict.
Matthews appeared again at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday (February 21) and was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.
He was also put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
The victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were aged 11 and 12 when the abuse first started.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gemma Crew said: Matthews actions have resulted in lifelong consequences for his victims who, more than 20 years on, are still coming to terms with what he did.
Now that he is behind bars for a substantial length of time I hope they feel a sense of justice for the trauma he caused.
Both victims showed tremendous courage in talking to us about their experiences and I hope this conviction will also encourage other victims to report offences to us.
It doesnt matter when the assaults happened, where they took place or who did it well take every report seriously and help provide support."