TERRY/MICHAEL BRYANT FROM TOTTENHAM AND BRACKNELL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND KIDNAPPINGS

In a chilling series of crimes that spanned several months and targeted vulnerable teenage girls in Bracknell, a man identified as Terry/Michael Bryant, aged 41 and originally from Tottenham, London, was finally brought to justice. His heinous acts, which included kidnapping, sexual assault, threats to kill, and possession of indecent images, shocked the local community and prompted a thorough investigation by Thames Valley Police.

On 15 October at Reading Crown Court, Bryant was sentenced to an indeterminate term with a minimum tariff of seven years. This sentence was adjusted to account for the 133 days he had already spent in custody. Bryant had previously pleaded guilty on 3 September to 14 charges related to offenses committed during November 2009 and May 2010. The court heard details of his crimes, which left lasting scars on his victims and their families.

Ben Gumpert, the Principal Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service, described Bryant’s actions as the worst nightmare for any parent. He emphasized that the offenses committed by Bryant were among the most serious the courts handle, short of causing death. Gumpert praised the bravery and resilience of the victims, who endured terrifying ordeals at Bryant’s hands. The advocate also noted that Bryant had initially denied his involvement, only admitting guilt shortly before his first court appearance. The court’s decision aimed to reflect the gravity of his crimes, and Gumpert expressed hope that the victims could now begin to rebuild their lives.

The first incident took place on 4 November 2009 in the Warfield area of Bracknell. A 16-year-old girl was walking when Bryant approached her, asking for directions. Suddenly, he grabbed her by the neck, claiming he had a knife, and stole her mobile phone and iPod. He then forced her into a parked car, covering her eyes with a hat to blindfold her. Bryant drove her to an unknown location where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault, leaving her traumatized.

Another disturbing incident occurred on 6 May 2010. A 14-year-old girl returned home around 5:15 pm and noticed a disheveled man acting suspiciously in a nearby alleyway. Moments later, she answered a knock at her door to find the same man. Her family’s dog, barking loudly, ran outside, prompting her to go to the kitchen. When she returned, she found Bryant inside her house. He demanded money, grabbed her by the arm, threatened her, and forced her to walk along the street with him. Fortunately, she managed to break free and raised the alarm with a neighbor.

Later that evening, at approximately 6:25 pm, a 15-year-old girl called her mother to say she was on her way home after participating in sports at her school. As she walked through the Wildridings area of Bracknell, listening to her iPod, Bryant suddenly grabbed her by the neck. He threatened to kill her, blindfolded her with a hat, and forced her into a car. He then drove her to an unknown location, where he threatened her with a gun and subjected her to a serious sexual assault. Afterward, Bryant drove her back to Wildridings, still blindfolded.

Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit launched an extensive investigation into these incidents. Despite their traumatic experiences, the victims provided detailed descriptions of Bryant, including his clothing, the route taken during the car journeys, and items present at the scenes. CCTV footage played a crucial role in the case, revealing a black Toyota Celica registered to Bryant traveling along Crowthorne Road at 6:36 pm on 6 May, near the time of the third abduction. The same vehicle was seen again at 9:03 pm, close to the time the girl was dropped off.

On the early morning of 2 June, police officers executed a search at Warfield Turf on Malt Hill, Warfield, following a tip-off from a member of the public. They gained access through a gate and a metal barrier, approaching a large trailer with barn-style doors. Inside, they found Bryant, who was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, rape, and attempted kidnapping. The officers also seized Bryant’s black Toyota Celica and a laptop computer from the scene.

Further investigation uncovered a memory card from a mobile phone containing indecent images taken during one of the assaults. The seized laptop also contained images of children engaged in sexual acts. Forensic analysis linked fibers and other evidence to the victims, establishing a clear connection to Bryant.

Superintendent Rob Mason, the senior investigating officer, described Bryant as a highly dangerous individual. He emphasized the horrific nature of the crimes and how they preyed on innocent young girls going about their daily routines. Mason highlighted that two victims were abducted from the streets and sexually assaulted, while a third managed to escape from her attacker’s home. The successful apprehension of Bryant was credited to the bravery and cooperation of the victims.

Ch. Insp. Simon Bowden, police commander for Bracknell, expressed his sympathies to the victims and their families. He acknowledged the devastating impact of such crimes and noted that the psychological scars could last long after the physical acts. Bowden remarked that while the justice system can punish Bryant, it cannot undo the harm inflicted upon the victims.

During court proceedings, Bryant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of kidnapping, two counts of threats to kill, four counts of sexual assault, one count of robbery, one count of rape, and possession of indecent images. He also admitted to possessing a firearm with intent to threaten violence. However, he maintained his innocence on two counts of false imprisonment and one count of threats to kill, pleading not guilty to those charges.