BRANDEN OXENDALE FROM SALISBURY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Salisbury community, Brendan Oxendale, a 24-year-old man residing on Avon Terrace, has been sentenced to a lengthy, potentially life-long imprisonment after admitting to heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The offences, which took place in Salisbury, have left a lasting scar on the victims and their families, prompting a serious reflection on the safety and protection of children within the area.

Oxendale appeared before Salisbury Crown Court on a recent Friday, facing multiple charges including the rape of a girl under the age of 13, sexual assault of a girl under 13, and engaging in sexual activity with a girl over the age of 13. The prosecution, led by Richard Onslow, detailed how Oxendale systematically groomed his victims, both of whom were only 11 years old at the time. According to the court proceedings, Oxendale befriended these young girls, gaining their trust before inviting them into his home when his partner was absent. It was during these private visits that he committed the sexual assaults, with one girl being raped and the other sexually assaulted.

The crimes came to light after one of the victims began exhibiting unusual behavior, which prompted her to confide in her mother about what had transpired. A statement from the mother, read aloud in court, expressed the devastating impact of Oxendale’s actions: “This man has torn our family apart. He has taken my little girl and thrown her into an adult world, leaving me with a confused, bewildered, detached little girl.” The emotional toll on the family was palpable, highlighting the profound damage inflicted by the defendant.

Further investigation by the police uncovered a third victim, a 14-year-old girl, after authorities seized Oxendale’s mobile phone and computer. An examination of his internet activity revealed that he had been using online social networking sites to groom potential victims, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. Despite being questioned by authorities, Oxendale maintained a stance of denial regarding the specifics of the incidents, refusing to answer questions that could have clarified his involvement. Prosecutor Onslow noted that while Oxendale acknowledged knowing the victims, he did not admit to the crimes during police interviews.

Oxendale’s defense attorney, Christopher Amis, emphasized that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, thereby sparing the victims the ordeal of testifying in court. Amis stated, “This defendant does accept responsibility for what he has done. He knows he is an adult and he knows these are very young girls.”

Judge Keith Cutler delivered a stern sentence, imposing an indeterminate term that will be subject to review only if Oxendale is deemed no longer a threat to the public. Additionally, he was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Mike Standing of Wiltshire Police commented on the case, acknowledging the trauma experienced by the victims and their families. He expressed satisfaction with the severity of the sentence, hoping it would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes in Salisbury and beyond.