MICHAEL DENT AND JACK DENT BRADLEY FROM BRADLEY AND WITTON GILBERT SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of County Durham, a father and son from the villages of Bradley and Witton Gilbert have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being found guilty of sexually abusing the same vulnerable child. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved heinous acts committed separately by each offender, leaving the victim with lasting psychological scars.

Michael Dent, aged 37, and Jack Dent-Bradley, aged 19, appeared before Durham Crown Court on a recent Monday to face sentencing following their convictions at trial. The court heard that Dent was convicted of the rape of a child, while Dent-Bradley was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a child. It was revealed that Dent-Bradley’s offenses occurred when he was between the ages of 10 and 14, highlighting the disturbing nature of the abuse inflicted by someone so young.

The court was informed that both men, residents of Witton Gilbert, County Durham, had targeted the same child but committed their crimes separately, each taking advantage of the child's vulnerability. Liam O’Brien, the prosecutor, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Each [defendant] took advantage by abusing [the child] sexually, albeit separately from one another.”

Judge James Adkin delivered the sentences, condemning the acts as “extremely cruel, persistent and damaging.” Michael Dent received an extended prison sentence of 14 years, with 13 years to be served in custody. Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order, ensuring he remains prohibited from contact with the victim and from engaging in any further sexual offenses. Dent will also be registered on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Jack Dent-Bradley was sentenced to 66 months in prison. The judge described his offenses as “extremely cruel, persistent and damaging,” and he was also subjected to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order. Like Dent, he will be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the court’s commitment to protecting the community from further harm.