In 2021, the Offender Database recorded that 67-year-old Colin Bailey—of St Peter Street, Tiverton—was jailed for a serial campaign of historic child sexual abuse. The investigation established that Bailey targeted two children nearly 20 years prior to his conviction. The prosecution reported at Exeter Crown Court that Bailey was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault, which included touching the victims both under and over their clothing, identifying a predatory and calculated violation of children’s safety.
The investigation established that Bailey preyed on the victims’ vulnerability and naivety, telling one child that no one would believe her. The prosecution reported that the survivors suffered profound, lifelong trauma, including PTSD, high anxiety, depression, and insomnia. One victim described how the abuse caused her to feel like a “misfit” for years, while another turned to alcohol as she lost control of her life. Despite the overwhelming evidence and the emotional testimony of his victims, Bailey remained unmoved and unrepentant throughout the proceedings.
LACK OF REMORSE AND JUDICIAL FINDINGS
The court reported that Bailey showed “not one iota of shame” during the trial and sentencing. The investigation established that he had actively tried to evade justice for decades before the bravery of his victims brought the case to court. The prosecution reported that Judge Peter Johnson observed Bailey remained “impassive” while the survivors read their impact statements, where they courageously told him he was now no more than a “speck of dust” and could no longer destroy their lives.
Judge-led proceedings at Exeter Crown Court concluded on Monday, 5 October 2021. For his actions in Tiverton and the nature of the serial child sexual abuse investigation reported, Colin Bailey was sentenced to five years and four months in prison. The investigation established that he was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was legally mandated to the Sex Offenders Register. He remains a high-risk individual who requires intensive monitoring to protect the safety and human rights of the public.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial records as of 2021:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Indecent assault of a child x6).
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (In 2026, having served the custodial portion of his 5-year 4-month sentence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active.
- SHPO Status: Active (Imposing a permanent ban on contact with children).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court; investigated by Devon & Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Committed serial indecent assaults against two children; Evaded justice for nearly 20 years; Showed no remorse in court; Jailed in 2021.
- Origin: St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Bailey is managed as a high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Devon. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his serial strikes against minors and his complete lack of insight or shame—he is a priority for behavioural oversight. Authorities reported that the 2021 conviction ensures Bailey is permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to hold a position of trust or interact with children in Tiverton or elsewhere is strictly blocked for the remainder of his life.
As a registered sex offender, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Bailey’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by Bailey to adhere to his notification requirements or the terms of his SHPO since his release will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing protection of the community from a man who has violated the principles of human decency through child sexual abuse.
QUESTION – Given that the offender “Remained Unmoved” and showed no remorse even when faced with the lifelong trauma of his victims, do you believe the law should legally mandate that any offender who “Refuses to Admit Guilt” after a conviction should be denied the possibility of early release on licence?
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