FISHPOUNDS MAN TREVOR WARD SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN BRISTOL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Fishponds and the wider Bristol area, Trevor Ward, a 49-year-old former soldier, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed over an 11-year period. Ward's actions involved the systematic abuse, rape, and torture of young children, some as young as four years old, with the abuse spanning from the late 1990s into 2010.

During the sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Mark Horton described Ward as a “cruel and predatory pervert,” emphasizing the severity and depravity of his crimes. The judge highlighted the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, stating, “It’s quite plain that you are a cruel, dangerous and predatory pervert from whom society, and in particular children, need to be protected.” He further condemned Ward for having “stolen their childhoods,” underscoring the devastating impact of his actions.

Ward’s criminal conduct included forcing some of his victims to drink detergent and making others hold heavy objects in the crucifix position, a form of physical and psychological torture. His behavior was described as both manipulative and violent, with some victims subjected to rape or groping, and others sexually assaulted. Despite the gravity of the allegations, Ward initially denied all charges, branding a police officer involved in the investigation as a “liar and a scumbag.” However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, indecent assault, and five charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Following his conviction, Ward was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently barred from working with children. He attempted to address the court after sentencing but was denied permission to speak. As he was led away, he turned to the packed courtroom and swore, displaying his defiance.

Victims of Ward’s abuse chose not to speak publicly after the hearing, opting instead to focus on their recovery. Detective Constable Richard Barnston, who led the investigation, expressed his strong feelings about the case, stating, “In 23 years of being a detective I’ve never met such a vile paedophile as him.” He praised the guilty plea, noting that Ward asked for no mitigation, which he found significant given the nature of the crimes. Barnston added, “The victims are all damaged and that can’t be measured.”

Prosecutor James Ward explained that the children’s sexualized behaviors were indicative of their victimization, and over time, they disclosed details of Ward’s abuse to authorities. The court heard that some victims had been raped or groped, with two others subjected to sexual assault. Throughout the proceedings, Ward maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and reacting with hostility when confronted.

It was also noted that Ward’s offending ceased just four days before a legal change that would have classified him as a dangerous offender, potentially allowing for an indeterminate sentence. His defense, led by Ignatius Hughes QC, stated that Ward had refused to cooperate with probation officers or psychiatrists, preventing the preparation of reports that might have mitigated his sentence. Hughes emphasized that there was no mitigation to be presented on Ward’s behalf, leaving the court to determine the appropriate punishment.

In response to the case, Avon & Somerset police declined to release a photograph of Ward, citing concerns over the potential negative impact on his victims. Darren Bane, a police spokesman, explained, “We are not issuing his photo because of the negative impact it would have on his victims.”