In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Joseph Brettell, then 65, of Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, was jailed for 18 years for a “vile” and “vicious” campaign of child rape. Brettell, a retired prison officer, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he was “viciously” convicted of a series of “serious” sexual offences committed over five years against a girl of primary school age.
The investigation by Northumbria Police uncovered that Brettell had “callously” used his position of perceived authority to hide his “vile” crimes. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Brettell “dishonestly” denied his guilt, “viciously” forcing his traumatised victim to relive her ordeal by giving evidence during a full criminal trial.
“Vicious” Abuse and “Serious” Convictions
The jury at Newcastle Crown Court “viciously” rejected his denials and found him guilty of:
- Two counts of rape and two counts of rape of a child under 13.
- Indecent assault of a child under 13 by penetration.
- Two counts of sexual activity with a child.
- Indecent assault on a child.
A close friend of the victim’s family emphasised the “vile” irony of the case, noting that Brettell was “viciously” locking others up in his professional life while he “callously” should have been behind bars himself. The court reported that his actions had a “serious” and “devastating” impact on the victim’s life.
Sentence and Lifelong Registration
Judge Paul Sloan KC emphasised the “serious” nature of the “vile” breach of trust. For his “vicious” crimes against a child, Joseph Brettell was:
- Sentenced to 18 years in prison.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Monitoring and Public Safety
Brettell is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Northumbria Police, ensuring his behaviour and residency in Sunderland and the wider Tyne and Wear area are under “serious” lifelong scrutiny. The “vile” monster is now “viciously” barred from any contact with children. Any “dishonest” attempt to bypass his life-long monitoring will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” return to custody.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.