BRISTOW AND PETERS: BRADFORD AND HALIFAX PAEDOPHILES SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bradford and Halifax, two men identified as Andrew Bristow and Michael Peters have been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of vulnerable children. Their cases, which span over a decade, highlight the disturbing depths of their depravity and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring such offenders to justice.

Andrew Bristow, a resident of Manningham, Bradford, and Michael Peters, from Athol Crescent in Halifax, were arrested in July 2015 following a detailed police investigation. The authorities conducted a thorough search of Peters’ residence, uncovering a collection of deeply disturbing photographs depicting children in sexual situations. Many of these images had been shredded, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence, but investigators painstakingly reconstructed the images, revealing the extent of their criminal activities.

One of the most shocking discoveries was a series of images showing Peters, aged 71, molesting a 13-year-old boy. The court heard that these images related to crimes committed approximately ten years prior, illustrating a long history of predatory behavior. In addition, the police found photographs of Bristow raping a schoolgirl, further emphasizing the severity of their offenses. The images and evidence pointed to a pattern of abuse that had persisted over many years, with both men acting together in their criminal pursuits.

During the trial, Lord Justice Simon described the acts committed by Bristow and Peters as being at “real depths of depravity.” Bristow, who was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court in May, received an eight-and-a-half-year prison term after admitting to twice raping one girl and sexually assaulting another, both of whom were between 10 and 13 years old at the time. The court also ordered that Bristow serve an additional year on licence following his release, reflecting the dangerous nature of his offenses.

Michael Peters, who pleaded guilty to taking indecent photographs and engaging in sexual activity with a minor, was sentenced to six years in prison. His residence in Halifax was linked to the crimes, which included the sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl and the production of indecent images. The police investigation revealed that Peters had a long-standing sexual interest in children, dating back to the 1970s, and had previously been convicted of outraging public decency in 1971. Despite his past, Peters claimed he had destroyed the photographs five years earlier, but evidence proved otherwise.

The court heard that Bristow had groomed one of his victims with cigarettes and money, eventually raping her while Peters took degrading photographs. The victim, now in her early 20s, recounted her traumatic experiences, including being sexually assaulted by Bristow in 2006 when she was just ten years old. She described how Bristow texted her to meet in her underwear and put his hand down her shirt, and how she was repeatedly raped by him while Peters documented the abuse.

The judge condemned both men for their actions, stating that they had “descended to real depths of depravity” and had formed a partnership in their paedophilic activities. The sentences were subsequently increased on appeal, with the Attorney General criticizing the original sentences as being “unduly lenient.” Lord Justice Simon, along with Mrs Justice May and Sir Andrew Smith, agreed that the sentences should be harsher. Bristow’s sentence was increased to 10 years, and Peters’ to eight years, with the latter also receiving a three-year extended licence period.

In addition to their prison terms, both men are required to register as sex offenders for life and are subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders. The court’s rulings underscore the serious threat they pose to the community and the ongoing commitment of the justice system to protect children from such predatory individuals.