Darren Bradley, aged 61, of no fixed abode, Bridgwater, Somerset, has been sentenced to an extended custodial term of nine years at Taunton Crown Court following the sexual assault of a vulnerable woman in Bridgwater town centre.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30pm on Saturday 4 April. Bradley, an established registered sex offender with a documented history of targeting unaccompanied females, approached the victim whilst she was alone and in a vulnerable state. Bradley carried out a sexual assault by penetration before compelling the victim to walk through the town with him.
The victim managed to signal to a member of the public, who stepped in to assist her and immediately contacted Avon and Somerset Police. Detectives conducted urgent enquiries, leading to Bradley’s arrest and remand into custody on Thursday 9 April.
Under UK legislation, all victims of sexual offences are protected by lifelong statutory anonymity.
Appearing at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday 15 September, Bradley entered guilty pleas to charges of sexual assault by penetration and breaching an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The judge deemed Bradley a dangerous offender who poses a persistent and substantial risk of causing serious harm to the public, particularly lone women. The court passed an extended determinate sentence totaling nine years. Under statutory provisions for extended sentences, Bradley will be required to serve at least two-thirds of the custodial element in prison before becoming eligible to apply for release through the Parole Board, followed by strict licence supervision upon any eventual discharge.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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