MAN, 85, JAILED FOR 22 YEARS FOR NON-RECENT CHILD SEX OFFENCES
An 85-year-old man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for historical sexual offenses, including rape of a child, and is expected to spend the rest of his life incarcerated.Bruce Marshall, from Woolavington near Bridgwater, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Monday, 27 April, where he received the sentence for charges that included criminal sexual activities against a minor.
Marshall had previously admitted to these charges at an earlier hearing on 24 March.
Although he will serve an additional year on license, his advanced age suggests that he may remain in prison for the remainder of his life.
The police investigation involved visiting the victim’s home to notify them of the inquiry into an unrelated matter.
During this interaction, the victim became visibly emotional before revealing she had been sexually abused as a child.
Additional witness accounts were collected based on her disclosures.
Officers also questioned Marshall at his residence about the allegations, and he was formally interviewed in February 2023.
Evidence from two incidents was gathered, including a sexual assault in Somerset’s swimming pool changing rooms, which contradicts Marshall’s initial account.
Following an investigation that yielded enough evidence and witness testimonies, Marshall was detained in 2023, with his passport confiscated due to international links.
He was formally charged on November 29, 2024, and the judge issued a warning to prepare for a lengthy sentence.
