STEPHEN JOHN BRADWELL SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR RAPE IN BRADFORD

A man identified as Stephen John Bradwell has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years at Bradford Crown Court after being convicted of raping a woman. The court was told that Bradwell, aged 50 and formerly residing at Hydale Court in Low Moor, displayed a complete lack of remorse for his actions, which the judge described as 'reprehensible.'

The incident involved a woman who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, rendering her unable to give consent or resist the assault. The court heard that she was intoxicated during the attack, which significantly impaired her capacity to defend herself or make decisions. The details of the case revealed that Bradwell took advantage of her vulnerable state, leading to a serious criminal offense.

Following a seven-day trial that concluded in February, Bradwell was found guilty of the charges. Prosecutor Michael Morley presented a statement on behalf of the victim, describing her ongoing suffering. She reported feeling a constant sense of nausea and fear, experiencing flashbacks and panic attacks as a result of the trauma. The victim was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the assault on her mental health.

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Bradwell had an extensive criminal history. His previous convictions included offenses such as battery, assault, criminal damage, harassment, and assault on emergency service personnel. This pattern of violent and aggressive behavior was characterized by the judge as 'a picture of violent offending,' emphasizing the seriousness of his criminal record.

Judge Patrick Palmer addressed Bradwell directly, stating, 'You have to understand that these are very serious offences. I am concerned that you have little or no insight at all.' The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime and the need for a strong custodial sentence to reflect the severity of the offense.

As a result, Bradwell was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison. The court ordered that two-thirds of this sentence be served behind bars, with the remaining time potentially served on parole or supervised release. Additionally, Bradwell was mandated to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities post-release.

Throughout the hearing, Bradwell sat with his arms folded, showing little emotion. When the sentence was announced, he simply responded with a subdued, 'Thank you, Your Honour,' as he left the dock, indicating a stoic acceptance of the court's decision.