BRYAN WARREN SENTENCED IN TORQUAY FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES COMMITTED OVER 30 YEARS AGO

In a significant case that has spanned decades, Bryan Warren, aged 67 and residing on Lichfield Avenue in Torquay, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences committed against children more than 30 years ago. The court's decision comes after a detailed trial that revealed disturbing details about Warren's past actions and the impact on his victims.

Warren was found guilty on ten counts, which included gross indecency, indecent assault, and other grave sexual offences involving minors. The offences took place between 1969 and 1978, a period during which Warren and another unidentified man allegedly abused three children under the age of 16, with some victims as young as 10 years old. The court heard that Warren and his accomplice regarded their acts of molestation as 'fun,' a chilling detail that underscored the disturbing nature of the crimes.

During the week-long trial, the court was presented with testimonies from the victims, who bravely recounted their painful experiences. Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, expressed his frustration that Warren had managed to evade justice for so long. He stated, "For a very long time, you have escaped the punishment you are due for what you did to those children. You must now receive the punishment I consider appropriate for what you did."

The judge also highlighted the emotional toll the proceedings had on the victims, noting that each of them had to relive their traumatic childhoods during the court hearings. He remarked, "It was clearly a very painful and distressing experience for all of them to have to talk about their miserable childhoods." The court also acknowledged that the other man involved in the abuse would have faced charges if he were still alive today.

Historical records revealed that Warren had previously served time for similar offences. In 1970, he was jailed for five years for abusing boys. Despite his prior conviction, Warren maintained during the recent trial that he had never touched his victims. However, he pleaded guilty in the earlier case based on legal advice, a claim that Judge Cottle dismissed outright, stating, "I do not accept that explanation for a moment."

Following his release from prison, Warren committed these further offences, which have now been brought to justice. As part of his sentence, Warren will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Constable Richard Fuller, the investigating officer, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tracking down Warren’s victims. He said, "I am pleased. It is a fair sentence which allows the three of them to put it behind them and to move on with their lives. It is a shame though, that the trial meant that they had to relive their experiences in evidence."

The victims, now all in their forties, spoke publicly for the first time during the trial, sharing their stories and expressing relief that justice has finally been served. They urged others who have suffered similar abuse to find the courage to come forward. One victim, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, stated, "We hope that other people who have suffered like we have the courage to stand up and tell somebody. You don’t have to carry it with you forever. You can be free by bringing people like this to justice."

Many of the victims described the emotional pain of hearing details of their abuse during the court proceedings. One remarked, "Hearing what the other children went through was like being hit by a brick." Despite the pain, they found relief in being believed and finally having their voices heard. One victim shared, "It has been about somebody believing me at last."

Warren’s sentencing marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The court’s decision underscores the importance of addressing such crimes, regardless of how much time has passed. The victims expressed hope that their courage will inspire others to come forward and seek justice, breaking the silence that often surrounds these traumatic experiences.