BRIAN KELLY FROM KINGWOOD SENT TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BRISTOL AND DOWNEND

In January 2017, Brian Kelly, a man from Kingswood, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young boys at Christ Church Junior School in Downend. Kelly, who also served as a volunteer sports coach at the school, was found guilty of multiple sexual assaults involving children under the age of 13. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the incidents, which took place in a school shed used for storing sports equipment and scooters, located within the South Gloucestershire Church of England-controlled school.

The court heard that Kelly, aged 68 at the time, was alone with each of the boys in the shed during the assaults. One of the victims described feeling that Kelly considered him a favorite, recounting how the caretaker had given him birthday and Christmas cards, along with presents such as footballs signed by England players. These gestures appeared to be part of Kelly’s grooming behavior, which ultimately led to the abuse.

Judge Michael Longman addressed Kelly directly during sentencing, stating, "You succumbed to temptation in respect of two out of hundreds of children who came into your care. I take account of your age, your excellent good character and the best way of protecting children in future. Nothing more could have been said on your behalf, but a suspended sentence would not reflect the real concern of parents for offences of this sort." As part of his sentence, Kelly was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.

The prosecution, led by Christopher Smyth, presented evidence that detailed the abuse. One of the victims, referred to as Boy A, reported that Kelly was touching him inappropriately in the downstairs area while they were alone in the shed. The boy tried to leave, but Kelly blocked his way and threatened to call his mother. The court was also told that Kelly had given Boy A a birthday card referencing his eyes, which raised concerns from the boy’s mother. However, she was unaware of any misconduct until her son later disclosed the abuse to police years after the incident.

Further allegations emerged when another mother, prompted by reading about Kelly’s charges in the Bristol Post, questioned her son about his relationship with the caretaker. The boy then broke down in tears, revealing that he too had been a victim of Kelly’s inappropriate behavior. The second victim, Boy B, described how Kelly had asked him to stay behind after school and, while in the shed, had rubbed his face and made a peculiar "Mmmm" sound. The boy also claimed that Kelly had rubbed his face and then inappropriately touched his groin over his trousers, which made him feel disgusted and uncomfortable.

Kelly allegedly told Boy B to keep quiet about the incidents, warning him that revealing the abuse would cost him his job. The court heard that Kelly had also given the second boy sporting presents, similar to those given to Boy A, although Kelly denied favoritism towards any of the children.

During police interviews and court proceedings, Kelly denied ever being alone with Boy A and insisted that the allegations were false. He claimed to have been a responsible figure in the school, often rewarding pupils with sweets and chocolates, and participating in sports award ceremonies. Kelly maintained that he did not have any "favorite" pupils and that his actions were innocent.

This case is part of a broader pattern of abuse Kelly committed while working at the school. In December 2016, he was convicted of five non-recent sexual assault offences involving two boys aged between eight and ten, committed on the school premises where he served as a caretaker and sports club supervisor. The court scheduled his sentencing for January 6, where he faces further penalties for his actions.

Kelly’s crimes have caused significant distress among the victims and their families, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within educational environments. His conviction underscores the ongoing need for rigorous child protection measures to prevent such abuse from occurring in the future.