COLIN HATHWAY BRISTOL KINGSWOOD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ATTACK ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Kingswood, Bristol, Colin Hathway, a 45-year-old resident of Wickwar Road, was sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The court heard that Hathway subjected the 12-year-old victim to multiple assaults, including three rapes and additional molestation, over a period of three weeks earlier this year.

Hathway's crimes came to light when the young girl, who is legally protected from identification, confided in her school staff about the abuse. Her disclosure prompted immediate action from school authorities, who promptly contacted law enforcement authorities. The police investigation revealed that Hathway had engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct, which included passionate kissing, sending lewd text messages, and the physical assaults that left the girl traumatized.

Prosecutor Stephen Dent outlined the disturbing details during the hearing at Bristol Crown Court, emphasizing that the victim's ordeal lasted for three weeks in 2009. The court was informed that Hathway was arrested for a second time in April after the full extent of his abuse was uncovered. During police interviews, the girl recounted how Hathway had molested her and raped her on multiple occasions. The defendant later admitted to his actions, expressing remorse for his conduct.

Hathway's initial bail was revoked when he was found to be emotionally distressed and considered a risk to his own health, leading to his remand in custody. His defense attorney, Paul Connell, acknowledged his client's guilty pleas and his willingness to accept responsibility, though he did not contest the severity of the sentence.

Judge Simon Darwall-Smith sentenced Hathway to 10 years in prison, emphasizing that the defendant had inflicted a sentence of 'life without release' on his young victim through his actions. The judge also highlighted that Hathway was classified as posing a high risk of serious harm to children, which influenced the imposition of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order will prevent Hathway from ever working with children again and mandates his registration on the Sex Offenders' Register for the remainder of his life.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Darwall-Smith made it clear that the community's safety was paramount and that Hathway's conduct warranted a significant custodial term to protect others from potential harm.