Bristol man jailed for life for multiple sex offences

BRISTOL MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES

A man has received a life sentence after being convicted of numerous sexual offences and rapes spanning four decades.

David Stutt, aged 56 and living on Wade Street in Bristol, was given a minimum term of 13 years and four months following his admission to ten separate offences involving women and girls.

During his sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Martin Picton described him as "truly a monster." One of the women affected expressed her relief, saying she could now live "out of the shadows." She recalled receiving a phone call informing her of Stutt’s arrest, which she described as feeling like the breaking of a glass floor she had been walking on for over 45 years.

The police stated that Stutt appeared at a station in December 2021, just two days after a report was made about him raping and sexually assaulting a victim over multiple incidents spanning more than ten years.

Further victims came forward with allegations dating back to 1978, leading to charges in February.

At his sentencing on 30 November, Judge Picton commented on the case being "so awful" that it stood apart from typical cases.

The victims expressed feelings of relief following his conviction.

One told how she felt able to breathe freely for the first time, finally ending the secrecy and pretending it didn't matter, as she reflected on her years of hiding the pain.

DC Shelly Bennett commended the bravery of the victims, emphasizing that Stutt was a dangerous man who exploited those close to him.

She added that his actions stemmed purely from self-interest and that he had shown no remorse during the proceedings.

Bennett encouraged others who might have been affected to come forward, promising that their reports would be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.