DARRELL COTTERELL AND BRIAN MACEY JAILED FOR DECADES IN BRISTOL COURT AFTER HORRIFIC ABUSE IN HENBURY AND MONTPELIER

In a landmark case that has brought relief to victims and their families, two men convicted of heinous sexual offenses against children have been sentenced to a combined total of 24 years in prison. The convictions stem from a series of disturbing crimes committed over nearly four decades, with the offenders linked to the areas of Henbury and Montpelier.

Darrell Cotterell, aged 65 and residing on Hallen Road in Henbury, received a sentence of 17 years after being found guilty of 16 out of 17 charges brought against him. These charges included rape, attempted rape, serious sexual assault, attempted serious sexual assault, indecent assault, and indecency. Notably, Cotterell was acquitted of one rape charge. The court heard that his offending spanned from the 1970s through the 1980s, involving two young girls and one boy as victims. The severity and duration of his crimes underscored the gravity of his actions, which have left lasting scars on those affected.

Meanwhile, Brian Macey-Morris, a 72-year-old resident of York Road in Montpelier, was sentenced to seven years after being convicted of two attempted rapes and two indecent assaults on a girl during the 1980s. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, was unable to reach a verdict on an additional indecent assault charge, which was left unresolved. Macey-Morris's crimes, though less extensive in number, were equally disturbing and contributed to the ongoing narrative of abuse that spanned decades.

Another individual, Royston Mitchell of Ashburton Road in Southmead, was also convicted of five indecent assaults dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The jury deliberated for nearly 15 hours but was unable to reach a verdict on a rape charge and four other indecent assault allegations involving two girls. Mitchell, aged 63, remains in limbo as he awaits sentencing after suffering a heart attack during the trial, which lasted a month at Bristol Crown Court.

Judge Neil Ford QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Cotterell and Macey-Morris with firm words, emphasizing the wickedness of their crimes. He stated, “These were offences which were undoubtedly wicked. There is no doubt at all that you blighted the victims’ lives and they are still struggling to come to terms with what you did to them.” The judge also commended the police for their “very sensitively and professionally handled” investigation, which played a crucial role in bringing the offenders to justice.

As part of their sentences, both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for life and were permanently banned from working with children. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims, with one survivor, who was attacked by Cotterell as a child, expressing her feelings: “I think he is sick. I think he has shown no remorse and feels that he did nothing wrong. They ruined my life. I still have dreams and flashbacks, and it has affected me a lot. I am glad I had the courage to come through it, and I had a lot of support around me. I just hope other men who have been abused will come forward, safe in the fact they will not be judged and will be kept safe and secure.”

A female victim also shared her perspective, stating, “I think justice has well and truly been served. My whole family has suffered as a result of what happened to me, and I just want us to get on with our lives knowing these two are going to serve sentences for what they’ve done.”

Detective Inspector Gary Stephens, who led the investigation, described Cotterell as a “very dangerous man,” adding, “I think Cotterell is a man of few morals. He’s proven he will prey on children and vulnerable people for his own gratification.” It was revealed that Cotterell, a former civil engineer, was in Stockholm, Sweden, before being extradited to the UK last year to face the charges. The investigation was initiated after the first complainant came forward, revealing her abuse at the hands of Cotterell and his co-defendants.

DI Stephens highlighted the professionalism of the police team, especially detective constables Jo Winterson and Julie Bryan-Young, who worked tirelessly on the case. He emphasized that Cotterell was the primary offender, systematically abusing children over many years, and that the sentences reflect the seriousness of his crimes.

Defense attorneys offered some context for their clients. Stephen Mooney, representing Cotterell, described him as an elderly man suffering from hepatitis C, whose health was deteriorating, and acknowledged that Cotterell was aware of his own culpability. Conversely, Tabitha Macfarlane, defending Macey-Morris, warned that his time in prison would be difficult and suggested that he might not survive his sentence.

Overall, the case has been a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice, ensuring that victims can begin the process of healing and closure.