DEREK MCBRIDE AND TIM DALE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BRISTOL
Four men, including two from Bath and one from Radstock, have been convicted of child sex offences following a five-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.On Tuesday, 19th April, these men received sentences for a total of 45 offences that occurred between 1996 and 2003.
Their crimes involved two girls aged between seven and 15.
The convictions stem from a police investigation that was initiated in 2016 after one of the victims made a disclosure.
The investigation involved extensive inquiries across the UK, examining records from social care, educational institutions, digital media, previous investigations, and reports to other police forces.
Grant McGill, 41, from Radstock, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment for 35 counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child.
He received an additional eight-week sentence after absconding during the trial.
Brian Parker, 48, of Wrexham, was found guilty of eight offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, and possession of indecent images of children, and was sentenced to nine years in prison with a three-year extended license period.
Derek McBride, 62, from Lansdown, Bath, was sentenced to two years and six months after admitting to four charges of indecency with a child and indecent assault.
The sentence was reduced due to his early guilty plea.
Tim Dale, 42, from Twerton, Bath, received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for two offences of indecent assault.
Lead investigating officer Detective Sergeant Neil Wood described the offenders’ actions, saying, "These men acted independently but all targeted two young girls who were extremely vulnerable due to their age and circumstances.
Their crimes were predatory and abhorrent." He praised the victims for their patience and bravery in disclosing their experiences and in giving evidence in court.
Victims delivered impact statements to the court.
One stated, "If I see men with children, I feel certain those children are being hurt, and I feel powerless to stop it.
Hearing children cry from another house makes my imagination run wild.
I thank the jury for helping me begin my recovery." The other victim said, "What you have done will never be okay or fully repaired.
Your actions have forever impacted our lives.
I am thankful you cannot hurt anyone now, and I hope this experience has shown you that there are consequences to your choices.
We are now stronger than ever." During sentencing, His Honour Judge Mark Horton highlighted that all four men targeted vulnerable young girls unlikely to report abuse or seek help.
He stated both women would carry lifelong feelings of betrayal.
Judge Horton described Parker as a dangerous offender, noting his predatory, calculated, and manipulative behaviour, and emphasized that he showed no remorse.
Due to the risk Parker poses, it was ordered that he remain in prison until a parole board determines he is no longer a threat.
The judge also commended Detective Sergeant Wood for his dedication and the exceptional efforts in this complex case.
If anyone has experienced or witnessed sexual abuse, they are encouraged to visit the Avon and Somerset Police website for advice on reporting and accessing confidential support services.
