Darren Bradley 61

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed for nine years for the sexual assault of a vulnerable woman in Bridgwater.

Darren Bradley, 61, of no fixed abode, Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration and the breach of an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday 15 September.

Bradley committed his offences against a woman who was alone and vulnerable in Bridgwater town centre at around 11.30pm on Saturday 4 April.

He then proceeded to walk his victim through the town before she was able to gain the attention of a member of the public, who intervened and alerted the police. Bradley was later arrested, charged and remanded into custody on Thursday 9 April.

The custodial sentence handed to Bradley includes an extended period in prison with the judge acknowledging the significant risk he poses to members of the public. He has an extensive history in sexual offending, with a pattern of targeting lone women.

His victim thankfully did not suffer serious injury, but she was supported throughout the investigation and has been offered access to specialist support services she may benefit from. 

DIO Sophie Lovell, officer in the case from our Criminal Investigations Department, said:

“I would like to acknowledge the courage and strength shown by the victim in coming forward and reporting Bradley’s offending, and supporting the subsequent investigation and prosecution.

“This bravery has played a significant role in securing this conviction and ensuring that a dangerous individual has been removed from the community for a substantial period of time.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the member of the public who assisted the victim on the night of the incident. Their willingness to step in and offer support made a real difference, and it is something for which the victim remains very grateful for.”