ANTONY SLOCOMBE FROM YATE SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR HISTORIC RAPE CASE

In a case that has shocked the community of Yate, Antony Slocombe, a man with a reputation for being a decent and honest individual, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses committed during his teenage years. The offences involved the sexual assault of a girl who was under the age of 16, with the incidents occurring in the past and coming to light through a court trial held at Bristol Crown Court.

Slocombe, aged 44 and a father of two, resided in Woodmancote, Yate at the time of his sentencing. Despite his claims of innocence, the jury found him guilty after a thorough trial process. The court heard that the defendant had forcibly engaged in sexual acts with the young girl during two separate incidents that took place many years ago. The judge, Michael Roach, addressed the court and expressed his concern for the victim, stating, "(The complainant) was shaken, stressed and bewildered. I have no doubt life has been difficult for her ever since."

Given the nature of the offences, which were committed in the past, the judge ordered that Slocombe serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole or release. Additionally, he was instructed to register as a sex offender, although assessments indicated that he posed no immediate danger to the public. The court also considered the defendant's background and personal history during sentencing.

Rosaleen Collins, representing Slocombe, emphasized that her client had otherwise led a respectable life. She highlighted his personal difficulties, noting that he had been significantly younger than his actual age and had never had a romantic relationship. Ms. Collins stated, "He had led a perfectly decent life otherwise. There are personal difficulties. He was chronically much younger than his years and he never had a girlfriend." She further added that since the offending, Slocombe had been in a long-term relationship with his wife for nearly 25 years and was actively supportive of his children.

Ms. Collins also described her client as a family man who abstains from alcohol and smoking, and suggested that his own admissions may have contributed to the convictions. The court was informed that the victim had previously reported the abuse in 1993, when she made a complaint of rape to a doctor, who then referred her for counselling. The judge acknowledged that the offences were historic and explained that his sentencing decision was guided by current guidelines, while also considering the practices at the time the offences occurred.

Judge Roach concluded by describing Slocombe as a quiet, kind individual, known for his passive and non-confrontational personality. He remarked, "He is said to be a quiet man, a good husband and father and those who have known him refer to his kindness to others and how he has a passive, non-confrontational personality. I agree with their assessments. He will find prison life particularly difficult." The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Yate, highlighting the importance of justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals from past abuses.