TONY LOCK FROM BRIDGWATER AND MINEHEAD SENTENCED TO 26 YEARS FOR ABUSE
| Red Rose Database
Bridgwater Minehead Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bridgwater and Minehead, Tony Lock, aged 46, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 26 years and nine months after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of three young girls over a span of more than a decade.
Lock, whose residence is listed as Kendale Road in Bridgwater, faced a jury at Taunton Crown Court where he was found guilty on 18 counts related to the abuse. The charges included eight counts of rape and one count of perverting the course of justice, highlighting the severity and breadth of his criminal actions. The victims, all girls aged between 10 and 17 years old, suffered at his hands primarily in the areas of Minehead and Bridgwater.
Detective Constable Darren Lipscomb provided a detailed account of Lock’s manipulative tactics, describing him as a predatory and manipulative paedophile. According to Lipscomb, Lock initially groomed his victims by befriending them, often through volunteer roles in community groups. He would gain their trust by giving gifts such as clothing, a mobile phone, and even a scooter, which served to deepen his influence over them.
“He then exploited this trust in the most abhorrent way possible,” Lipscomb stated. “Lock took advantage of their vulnerability to carry out these crimes. One of his victims was met through a church group where he drove a minibus, and another through a social club for individuals with special needs. These settings reveal his calculated use of volunteer positions to manipulate and abuse the young girls.”
Further disturbing details emerged during the investigation, including Lock’s attempt to intimidate one of the victims when she was talking to police. He reportedly threatened to take his own life if she testified against him, an act of coercion meant to silence her and obstruct justice.
DC Lipscomb praised the bravery of the victims, acknowledging their courage in coming forward despite the trauma they endured. He also commended the police officers involved in the complex investigation, noting the importance of building trust with the victims to uncover the full extent of Lock’s crimes.
The investigation was carried out in close cooperation with Somerset County Council and the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately led to Lock’s conviction. The authorities emphasized that their inquiries are ongoing and urged anyone with additional information to come forward, assuring the public that all disclosures will be taken seriously and that support will be provided to those who need it.
Lock, whose residence is listed as Kendale Road in Bridgwater, faced a jury at Taunton Crown Court where he was found guilty on 18 counts related to the abuse. The charges included eight counts of rape and one count of perverting the course of justice, highlighting the severity and breadth of his criminal actions. The victims, all girls aged between 10 and 17 years old, suffered at his hands primarily in the areas of Minehead and Bridgwater.
Detective Constable Darren Lipscomb provided a detailed account of Lock’s manipulative tactics, describing him as a predatory and manipulative paedophile. According to Lipscomb, Lock initially groomed his victims by befriending them, often through volunteer roles in community groups. He would gain their trust by giving gifts such as clothing, a mobile phone, and even a scooter, which served to deepen his influence over them.
“He then exploited this trust in the most abhorrent way possible,” Lipscomb stated. “Lock took advantage of their vulnerability to carry out these crimes. One of his victims was met through a church group where he drove a minibus, and another through a social club for individuals with special needs. These settings reveal his calculated use of volunteer positions to manipulate and abuse the young girls.”
Further disturbing details emerged during the investigation, including Lock’s attempt to intimidate one of the victims when she was talking to police. He reportedly threatened to take his own life if she testified against him, an act of coercion meant to silence her and obstruct justice.
DC Lipscomb praised the bravery of the victims, acknowledging their courage in coming forward despite the trauma they endured. He also commended the police officers involved in the complex investigation, noting the importance of building trust with the victims to uncover the full extent of Lock’s crimes.
The investigation was carried out in close cooperation with Somerset County Council and the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately led to Lock’s conviction. The authorities emphasized that their inquiries are ongoing and urged anyone with additional information to come forward, assuring the public that all disclosures will be taken seriously and that support will be provided to those who need it.