CHRISTOPHER GOULDSBROUGH SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BATH AND MELKSHAM

In September 2016, a serious criminal case unfolded involving Christopher Gouldsbrough, a man with connections to both Melksham and Bath, who was convicted of engaging in non-consensual sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place at Gouldsbrough's residence in Trowbridge, where the young girl had been staying overnight after babysitting for his partner.

According to court proceedings, Gouldsbrough and his partner returned home intoxicated from a night out. While his partner went upstairs to bed, the girl, feeling tired, decided to rest on the sofa in the living room. Approximately fifteen minutes later, Gouldsbrough re-entered the room claiming he was getting a drink of water. He then sat beside her, and what followed was a distressing sequence of events.

Prosecutor Tessa Hingston described how Gouldsbrough began to inappropriately touch the girl, attempting to put his hands up her shorts. The girl, clearly distressed, told him to stop. She insisted she was sure about her refusal, saying, “stop,” and affirming her lack of consent. Despite her protests, Gouldsbrough continued, and the court heard that he engaged in sexual activity with her. During this ordeal, the girl expressed her discomfort, saying, “This isn’t right, just stop,” to which Gouldsbrough responded, “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

The court was informed that Gouldsbrough’s actions were not only non-consensual but also deeply damaging to the victim. The girl, initially frightened and unsure of what was happening, later feared she might be pregnant. Her distress led her to self-harm as a way to cope with the trauma.

Gouldsbrough, who was then living in Bath on Freeview Road but was previously from Melksham, faced serious charges. Initially, he was charged with rape and sexual assault of a minor. However, before the case could proceed to trial, he pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child, avoiding a jury trial.

During the hearing, his defense lawyer, Robin Shellard, expressed remorse, stating that Gouldsbrough “bitterly regretted” his actions and accepted responsibility for his conduct on that drunken night. The lawyer also highlighted the personal consequences Gouldsbrough had faced, including social ostracism, the loss of his relationship, and his job as a bar manager in Bath.

Judge Tim Mousley QC sentenced Gouldsbrough to three years in prison. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that Gouldsbrough’s intoxication did not excuse his behavior. He described how the incident started with drunken flirting but quickly escalated into a more sinister act, with Gouldsbrough’s intentions being obvious to all but the victim herself.

The judge also acknowledged the severe and lasting impact on the girl, who was a virgin at the time. Her statement detailed the emotional and psychological toll, including ongoing fears of pregnancy and the trauma she endured.

In addition to the prison sentence, Gouldsbrough was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order that will keep him away from the girl for the next ten years, aiming to protect her from further harm and ensure her safety in the future.