TERRY BRIANCE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN MERSTHAM AND REDHILL: A DECADE OF DANGER AND DEPRAVITY

In October 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Terry Briance, a resident of Nutfield Road in Merstham, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl in Merstham over ten years prior. The court heard that Briance, aged 43 at the time, had a long history of criminal behavior, including nearly 30 years of offending, and was considered a significant threat to children in the community.

His criminal record was extensive, with 39 previous convictions, many related to sexual offenses and possession of indecent images of children. The recent case centered around allegations that Briance had repeatedly assaulted a young girl in Merstham, an incident that took place more than a decade earlier. Despite denying seven charges of sexual assault, a jury found him guilty after a week-long trial held in July. The court proceedings culminated in a sentencing hearing at Guildford Crown Court on the Friday that followed.

During the hearing, the victim delivered a powerful and emotional impact statement, which was read aloud by prosecutor Piers Reed. She recounted her harrowing experience, revealing that she had contemplated suicide upon hearing that Briance had pleaded not guilty, which she felt prolonged her torment. Her words painted a picture of deep psychological scars, describing how her childhood was overshadowed by fear and shame. She explained that she had tried to barricade herself to prevent further assaults, but her efforts were futile.

The victim expressed that her trauma had left her with lasting emotional damage, including intense anger and a profound fear of physical intimacy. She shared her ongoing struggle with feelings of shame and the haunting memory of what she endured, describing Briance as the “monster of my childhood.” The court was informed that her ordeal had a devastating impact on her mental health, leading her to feelings of despair and hopelessness.

Further background revealed that Briance’s offending history extended back nearly 30 years. His family moved to the United States when he was young, where he committed his first known offense as a teenager—raping a five-year-old girl. Although he was convicted only of sexual assault, this early crime marked the beginning of a long pattern of predatory behavior. After serving time in prison and completing probation, Briance was deported back to the UK in 2003. However, his criminal tendencies persisted, and he continued to offend, including attacking another young girl.

Over the years, Briance accumulated numerous convictions related to child exploitation. Notably, in 2011, police discovered that he possessed approximately 40,000 indecent images of children aged between nine and 14 on his computer. These images ranged from the least serious category to the most severe, including category five images depicting explicit abuse. His obsession with child pornography was well-documented, and he was also convicted of breaching a sexual harm prevention order in 2015 after being caught watching children in a water play park in Hove.

It was only after a newspaper report highlighted one of his previous convictions that the young woman he assaulted in Merstham felt empowered to come forward and report her abuse to the police. This brave act led to his recent conviction and sentencing.

Judge Peter Moss, presiding over the case, described Briance as having an “entrenched” sexual interest in young girls. He criticized Briance for showing no remorse or acceptance of his actions, warning that his continued behavior posed a serious risk to the community. The judge emphasized that Briance’s dangerousness warranted an extended prison sentence, which would see him serve at least two-thirds of his 11-year term. Upon release, he would only be freed if the parole board determined he no longer posed a threat.

As the sentence was read, Briance, who was described as balding, wearing glasses, and sporting a long beard, stood quietly in court. He remains on the sex offenders register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from entering within 50 meters of any park or school.

In a related case from June 2011, Briance, then 35 and residing in Redhill, was found with an astonishing 40,000 indecent images of children. Despite the severity of his possession of such material, he was spared immediate imprisonment after a judge decided that prison would not help him change his behavior. Instead, he was placed on a specialized help program and a three-year supervision order, aimed at preventing future offenses.

Police had first observed Briance in 2009, when he was seen watching children at Hyde Park’s fountain. Subsequent police actions led to the seizure of his laptops, which contained the vast collection of indecent images. Despite being banned from royal parks and ordered to stay away from children, he continued to breach these restrictions, including paying attention to children in playgrounds and loitering near water parks.

Following his arrest in February 2012, authorities uncovered the extensive collection of images, which included both less serious and highly explicit material. Briance, who had no prior convictions in the UK at that time, was ordered to undergo a sex offender treatment program and was subjected to a three-year supervision order. He was also prohibited from working with children until further notice.

Investigating officer Cliff Purvis commented on the case, stating, “Terry Briance’s offending was pitiful. On reflection, the sentence is probably appropriate as long as he gets help in terms of his sexual offending. Surrey Police strive to protect all the community, in particular vulnerable persons. People who commit this type of offence can expect our closest attention.”