Karl Pitcher 55

Description

A paedophile who sexually assaulted four children - including one who was just two years old - has been sent to prison. During a sentencing hearing at Taunton Crown Court yesterday (June 8), Karl Pitcher was jailed for 10 years and four months after being found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault of four children in the 1990s and 2000s.

The 54-year-old of Great Orchard, Ilchester, has also been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

During proceedings, the court heard how Pitcher - who has been described as a "predator" by Recorder Judge Millard - had abused four girls between the ages of two and 14 on a number of occasions. Avon and Somerset Police said the force was approached by two of his victims in 2020, leading to an investigation.

Police enquiries led to two more cases being unearthed from the early 2000s which had been investigated at the time. However, police said they were "unfortunately unable to prosecute" at the time.

Two of Pitcher's victims spoke about the impact his sexual abuse had on them. One victim said: "I was a vulnerable young girl all those years ago and he knew it. He used that to his advantage to be able to behave how he wanted towards me.

"He destroyed my confidence. I spent all those years rebuilding my life and was then made by him to relive it all again during a trial.

"I wanted to say thank you to the police for all their hard work and for the result we got. It’s been such a relief to know, after all this time, I have been believed by you all."

Another victim said: "The day we found out the jury had reached a guilty verdict, I cried with relief. Relief that the truth had been told and heard and that, as victims, we were finally getting the justice we deserved.

"I hope that, by me going through the process of this trial, it will help and support other victims with coming forward and having their story heard."

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, investigation officer PC Victoria Doble said: "The victims have shown incredible strength to report these incidents and support the police investigation. They have shown such courage throughout the trial and have bravely taken the stand to get the justice they so rightly deserve.

"Pitcher is a horrendous criminal, who has taken advantage of young children and impacted their lives, even beyond his offending. I hope more victims of recent and non-recent sexual offences read about this conviction and are encouraged to come forward and seek justice, and I hope this sentence will give Pitcher’s victims some closure."

Recorder Judge Millard also commended the "strong women" who came forward to give evidence against Pitcher. He also blasted the paedophile for his actions and lack of empathy towards his victims.

"You are a predator of young girls," Judge Millard said. "Over 10 years, you demonstrated a long-term commitment to abuse young girls. You’ve displayed no victim empathy in this case. They are strong women.

"It takes strength and courage to report the offences and come to trial. I commend them for it. They do not deserve to hear your continual denial."