JULIAN BRIDGES OF WORCESTER SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A CHILD

In March 2008, Julian Bridges, a married man from Bromsgrove, was sentenced to three years in prison at Worcester Crown Court for sexually abusing a young boy. Bridges, 38, admitted to his crimes after confessing to a friend while intoxicated at a New Year’s Eve party. Prosecutor Jackie Rogers explained that Bridges had previously warned the victim to keep their interactions secret, fearing he might be arrested. However, on September 11 of the previous year, Bridges reported his own offences to the police, admitting to acts including performing oral sex on the child.

Bridges, who lived formerly on Beech Road, Sidemoor, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. As he sat in the courtroom, the judge, Andrew Geddes, described his conduct as 'absolutely devastating to a child,' and noted that Bridges wept during sentencing. His family had disowned him, and he was described as being without a fixed address.

The judge emphasized that Bridges committed these acts for his own sexual gratification and stated that he needed to reflect on his actions during his time in prison. Bridges had been married for 15 years. According to Miss Rogers, he confided in a friend that he was worried about being a danger to other children. Following the friend's report to authorities, Bridges' wife confronted him, leading to his admission.

Additionally, the court heard that when he was 15, Bridges had a sexual attack on a six-year-old girl. Defense lawyer Trevor Meegan acknowledged that Bridges had experienced a traumatic childhood and was overwhelmed by guilt. He noted that Bridges had made progress while in jail on remand, working with a psychologist, and remained highly motivated to change.

As part of his sentencing, Bridges was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was permanently banned from working with children.