BRIAN SYMONDS FROM BRADFORD SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC CHILD ABUSE CASE

A man from Bradford, Brian Symonds, aged 67, faces a lengthy prison term after being convicted of serious historical child abuse offenses. The trial, which lasted five days at Bradford Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and indecent assault against two young children. Symonds was found guilty of multiple charges, including grooming the victims and subjecting them to indecent assaults that left a lasting impact on their lives.

During the sentencing hearing, Mr. Recorder Gurdial Singh emphasized the severity of Symonds’ actions, stating, “Your abuse had a devastating effect on them.” The court was informed that Symonds had a troubling history, with previous convictions dating back to 1979 for sexually assaulting children as young as five years old. These earlier convictions cast a long shadow over his recent crimes, which only came to light when one of the victims, now an adult, reported the abuse in 2019.

The court heard that the victim, in a statement read aloud, described their experience as enduring “a life sentence,” burdened by profound shame and self-blame. The individual revealed that the trauma inflicted by Symonds’ actions continued to haunt them, causing emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. They explained that they had suppressed the memories of the abuse for years, only to be overwhelmed by the emotional toll later in life.

Symonds, who resides on Whitaker Avenue in Bradford, has been designated a registered sex offender for life. Additionally, he has been subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, restricting his future conduct. The court determined that Symonds will serve approximately two-thirds of his 16-year prison sentence before being considered for parole. Following his release from custody, he will be placed on a conditional license, subject to ongoing supervision.

In addressing the victims present in court, Recorder Singh expressed gratitude for their bravery in coming forward and providing evidence, acknowledging that no sentence could fully compensate for their suffering. “Thank you both for having the courage to come forward and for giving evidence,” he said. “I appreciate that no sentence can give you back what you have lost.”

The lead detective on the case commented on Symonds’ behavior during the trial, noting that he showed no remorse or guilt and denied any wrongdoing. The officer praised the court’s decision, emphasizing the seriousness of Symonds’ offending and affirming that he remains a danger to children. The conviction and sentence serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against child abuse and the importance of justice for victims.