STUART BULL, BRISTOL AND STOKE GIFFORD PAEDOPHILE, ADMITS SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS AS YOUNG AS 11

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bristol and Stoke Gifford, Stuart Bull, a man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has finally admitted to a series of heinous crimes committed against young girls. The revelations came to light after a woman courageously entered a Bristol police station to report her traumatic experience, which ultimately led to a police investigation into Bull's past actions.

At the age of 55, Bull, who currently resides at Avonsmere Residential Park in Stoke Gifford, faced the court to answer for historical sex offenses that spanned several years. The case was scheduled for a trial, but on the very first day of proceedings, Bull unexpectedly pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of indecent assault and one count of rape involving a girl aged between 13 and 14. Additionally, he admitted to three indecent assaults and a rape involving a second girl aged 11, as well as an indecent assault on a third girl aged 13 or 14.

The court heard that Bull’s abusive behavior began during his late teens, while he was on shore leave from his duties as a merchant seaman. One of his victims recounted that Bull had boasted about traveling to Thailand and being able to manipulate young girls there into doing anything he wanted. The court was told that Bull’s misconduct escalated from inappropriate touching to full sexual assault. He first touched one girl intimately, then went on to rape her. The second girl was coerced into performing a sex act on him before he sexually assaulted her as well. The third girl, also a minor at the time, was subjected to inappropriate touching by Bull.

To protect their identities, the victims’ names have not been disclosed. However, they provided heartfelt statements describing the profound and lasting impact of Bull’s actions. One victim described him as a “blue-eyed boy,” whom she believed would be believed over her, especially given her low self-esteem at the time. She expressed that discussing her trauma was like reliving the experience, with vivid memories of the feelings, words, and smells flooding back. She acknowledged that although the police had been supportive, the process had significantly increased her anxiety.

Another victim shared her feelings of confusion and self-blame, questioning, “Why me, what had I done wrong?” Her testimony highlighted the deep psychological scars left by Bull’s abuse. The court was told that the effects of his actions continue to affect the victims’ lives to this day.

Judge Martin Picton sentenced Stuart Bull to a total of 16 years and two months in prison. In his remarks, the judge described Bull’s offenses as “very serious” and emphasized the enduring harm inflicted upon the victims. He stated, “The impact of the crimes you committed has been grave, and your victims bear the scars resulting from your abuse to this day. I am sure they will continue to do so for the rest of their lives.” The judge further remarked that the level of harm caused by Bull was “exceptional, even in cases of this nature.”

Earlier in June 2018, the case had garnered significant attention as Bull, a merchant seaman at the time of the offenses, was accused of preying on three young girls aged between 11 and 14 in Bristol. The allegations spanned several years, and the investigation was prompted by the brave testimony of one of the victims. During the court proceedings, Bull, now 55 and residing in Stoke Gifford, admitted to the charges on the first day of his trial.

He pleaded guilty to raping and indecently assaulting two girls, aged 13 or 14 and 11 or 12 respectively, as well as to indecently assaulting a third girl aged 13 or 14. His defense lawyer, Giles Nelson, requested a pre-sentence report, acknowledging that Bull was likely to face a substantial custodial sentence. Nelson stated, “He’s going to receive a substantial custodial sentence. He knows he’s going to prison and he’d like to get on with it.”

Judge Picton adjourned sentencing until July 2, pending the completion of a probation report. Bull was granted bail under strict conditions, including residence restrictions, a curfew, and an order to cooperate fully with probation services. The judge warned Bull that his future would undoubtedly involve imprisonment, emphasizing the seriousness of the case and the need for justice to be served.