JEFFERY WEST FROM BRIDPORT SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Bridport, Jeffery David West, aged 42 and formerly residing on Priory Lane, was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offences involving a young girl. The offences, which occurred between January and May of 2008, involved the rape of a girl who was just five years old at the time.

West admitted to two counts of rape and three counts of sexually assaulting the same victim during police interviews. His initial confession was made after he claimed the acts were committed during a 'moment of madness.' However, the young girl, now seven, later disclosed further details to her mother, revealing that West had raped her twice and sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions. These admissions prompted police to re-interview West, during which he acknowledged the additional allegations, stating that the incidents took place shortly after her fifth birthday and involved three distinct episodes of abuse.

At the sentencing hearing held at Dorchester Crown Court, Judge Christopher Harvey Clark described the offences as 'truly dreadful' and emphasized the gravity of West's actions. The judge pointed out that the assaults did not occur over a brief period but spanned several months, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior rather than a momentary lapse. Judge Clark also noted the significant impact on the young victim, praising her bravery in coming forward and speaking out about her suffering.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that West had not been truthful in his initial police interview, which cast doubt on his claim of a moment of madness. Instead, evidence suggested a prolonged period of abuse. Miss Angela England, representing the prosecution, highlighted that the victim had made her first report earlier this year to social services, which led to West's arrest and subsequent conviction.

In mitigation, Tim Shorter explained that West had expressed suicidal thoughts during police interviews, possibly as a way to make the allegations 'go away.' Despite this, the court found the offences to be of a serious and depraved nature. As part of his sentence, West was also subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from residing in the same household as any child under 18 and from having any unsupervised contact with minors.

Judge Harvey Clark concluded his remarks by condemning West's conduct, stating, 'It is difficult to put into words the events of which you are guilty. You behaved shamefully.' He further emphasized that the offences, committed over several months, were not the result of a fleeting moment but a sustained pattern of abuse. The judge ordered that West serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence.

Police officers involved in the case, including Detective Constable Michelle Underwood, praised the young girl for her courage in speaking out. Officer Underwood underscored the importance of victims coming forward and assured the public that such crimes are taken very seriously. She urged other victims to seek help and emphasized that they will be believed, reinforcing the message that no one should suffer in silence.