PHILLIP PRICE FROM BROCKWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN HEREFORDSHIRE

In October 2016, a former soldier named Phillip Price, residing in Brockworth, was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against two young girls in Herefordshire. The case was heard at Worcester Crown Court, where it was revealed that Price, aged 54 at the time, had engaged in disturbing and manipulative behavior towards the victims, both of whom were under the age of 16 during the incidents.

According to court proceedings, Price had sexually abused the two girls on several occasions, starting when one of them was as young as eight years old. The last recorded offence took place in 2010. The court heard that Price had told the girls about his military experiences, including claims of knowing how to make a bomb, which he used to manipulate and frighten them. Despite these revelations, he did not issue any direct threats, but his actions left lasting scars on the victims.

Prosecutor Michael Aspinall presented evidence that Price had committed two counts of sexual abuse against each girl when they were under 13, and an additional charge involving one of the girls when she was between 13 and 16. The jury found him guilty of these charges but acquitted him of more serious allegations that were also brought against him. Throughout the trial, Price maintained his innocence and continued to deny all accusations.

Victims, who are legally protected from being identified, provided impact statements describing the profound effects of the abuse. Both expressed difficulty in engaging with public life, with one suffering from panic attacks as a result of their trauma. The court was told that Price’s manipulative tactics involved exploiting his military background to gain the girls’ trust and control over them.

Defence attorney Giles Nelson highlighted a psychiatric report indicating that Price had been suffering from significant mental health issues since 2001, which were linked to his military service. It was also noted that Price had been living in Malvern before relocating to a village near Ledbury, where the offences occurred.

Judge Robert Juckes, QC, addressed the court, emphasizing that Price had used his military experiences to manipulate the victims. The judge expressed hope that the sentencing would aid the victims in their recovery. He also stated that Price posed a continuing danger to the community, particularly to children.

As part of his sentence, Price was handed a total of seven years in prison, with three years and six months for each of the offences committed when the girls were under 13, to run consecutively. An additional sentence of two years and six months was imposed for the offence involving the girl aged between 13 and 16, to run concurrently. Furthermore, Price was subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with children under 16, and was ordered to register as a sex offender until further notice. The court’s rulings reflect the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety in the Brockworth and Herefordshire areas.