SAMUEL BRETTELL FROM ABBOTTS LEIGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BRISTOL

In December 2011, a disturbing case emerged involving Samuel Brettell, a resident of Church Road in Abbotts Leigh, who was convicted of engaging in inappropriate and illegal activities with a young boy. The incident drew significant attention from local authorities and the community, highlighting the ongoing issues of child protection and the dangers posed by individuals with malicious intent.

According to court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, Brettell, aged 23 at the time, was found guilty of multiple serious charges related to his interactions with a child under the age of 13. The court heard that Brettell had been subject to a court order prohibiting him from having any contact with the young boy due to concerns about their relationship. Despite this legal restriction, Brettell flagrantly violated the order by initiating further contact with the child, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the minor.

The investigation revealed that the boy’s parents had discovered troubling evidence on a mobile phone that Brettell had given to their son. The device contained exchanged indecent photographs, which confirmed the inappropriate relationship between the two. This discovery prompted immediate police involvement, leading to Brettell’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the hearing, Brettell admitted to breaching the risk of sexual harm order, as well as inciting the child to engage in sexual activity and causing the child to perform a sexual act. His guilty plea underscored the severity of his actions and the danger he posed to children.

Judge Michael Longman, presiding over the case, sentenced Brettell to two years in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the gravity of Brettell’s breach of the protective order, stating, “You overrode a mechanism put in place to protect (the child). You continued to see him and to do so in breach of the order. It was likely to have had a considerable effect on him.”

Furthermore, the court imposed a ten-year sexual offences prevention order, designed to prevent Brettell from having any contact with minors in the future. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was disqualified from working with children, measures aimed at safeguarding the community from potential harm.

Following the sentencing, the boy’s mother expressed her relief and outrage. She told the Evening Post, “I think it is the best sentence I could hope for. I think Samuel Brettell is calculated and disgusting.”

Detective Sergeant Nigel Curnock, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “Samuel Brettell has shown himself to pose a sexual risk to children and we welcome the custodial sentence he has received. The imposition of a sexual offences prevention order for 10 years serves to protect the public.”

Prosecutor Martin Steen explained that once the victim’s mother discovered the indecent images and phone messages from Brettell, police were promptly involved. Brettell fully admitted his misconduct during police interviews, confirming the allegations against him.

Defense lawyer Richard Smith QC expressed remorse on behalf of Brettell, asserting that his client was genuinely sorry and had matured enough to recognize his wrongdoing. He argued that prison would be particularly challenging for Brettell due to his background and lack of familiarity with such environments. Smith emphasized that Brettell, a young man with the potential for change, had some insight into his own downfall. The lawyer also acknowledged the profound impact of the case on Brettell’s family, describing their support as “incredible” despite the circumstances.