JONATHAN BRADBURY'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN COVENTRY AND HINCKLEY: PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Coventry and Hinckley, Jonathan Mark Bradbury has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a three-year-old girl. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved repeated assaults that Bradbury not only carried out but also documented through filming, adding a layer of depravity to his actions.

Bradbury, aged 36, who hails from Hinckley, was found guilty of multiple charges including indecent assault, indecency with a child, and engaging in sexual acts with a minor. The court proceedings revealed that he had also incited the young girl to participate in serious sexual activities when she was between the ages of three and five. His abuse included simulating sexual acts with the child, which he admitted in court, alongside the filming of these acts. Furthermore, he downloaded over 1,000 images and videos depicting the abuse of children, some of which involved the victim himself.

The prosecution, led by Clive Stockwell, detailed how Bradbury’s misconduct extended over several years, from 2001 to 2006. During this period, he would sometimes reward the girl with biscuits after abusing her, and in some instances, he set up cameras to record the acts. When the victim protested, Bradbury reportedly told her, “it’s got to be done.” The police investigation uncovered a staggering 2,381 indecent images and videos, with approximately 800 of those being recordings of the victim.

Following his arrest, Bradbury admitted to being “stupid and weak,” and described himself as “a monster, driven to pushing the boundaries.” He also expressed remorse, though the court and the victim’s mother found his apologies insufficient given the severity of his crimes. The mother of the young girl, visibly distressed, stated that she was “numb with shock” upon learning of her daughter’s abuse. She expressed her anger and frustration, saying, “Hanging him isn’t good enough,” and emphasized that no sentence could truly reflect the damage inflicted.

She further explained that her daughter is currently undergoing counseling in an effort to recover from the trauma. Her words conveyed a sense of loss and devastation, as she lamented that her daughter’s childhood had been stolen and her future potentially destroyed. The mother called for Bradbury to be publicly named and shamed, asserting that the community needs to be aware of such predators among them. She described him as “the lowest of the low” and expressed her contempt for his actions.

Judge Christopher Plunkett, presiding over the case at Leicester Crown Court, condemned Bradbury’s conduct as “abhorrent to any right-thinking member of this community.” He highlighted the profound and lasting damage caused to the young victim, acknowledging the suffering she has endured and the pain that lies ahead. The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on Bradbury working with children or being in the company of anyone under 16 without supervision.

In his defense, James House, representing Bradbury, pointed out that his client had no prior convictions and had fully confessed to the police, offering a sincere apology to everyone involved. It was also noted that Bradbury is now engaged to a woman who remains supportive of him despite the crimes.

This case has left a lasting scar on the local communities of Coventry and Hinckley, serving as a stark reminder of the evil that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary lives. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of such a disturbing series of events, and the focus remains on the ongoing recovery and protection of the young victims involved.