A repeat sex offender who persistently targeted vulnerable, lone women has been sentenced to prison after sexually assaulting a woman in Bridgwater.
Darren Bradley, 61, of no fixed abode in Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman by penetration and breaching his interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The offence took place in Bridgwater town centre at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday, 4 April, when Bradley approached a woman who was alone and vulnerable. He led her through the town before she managed to alert a member of the public, who promptly contacted the police.
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Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the woman was not seriously injured and has since been offered support from specialist services.
Bradley was arrested, charged, and remanded into custody on Thursday, 9 April. On Tuesday, 15 September at Taunton Crown Court, he was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment. The judge acknowledged Bradley posed a significant risk to the public and imposed an extended custodial period due to his extensive history of sexual offences and a pattern of targeting lone women.
Detective Inspector Sophie Lovell, handling the case for Avon and Somerset Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She said, “The victim’s courage and strength in reporting Bradley’s offending and supporting the investigation have been vital in achieving this conviction and ensuring a dangerous individual is no longer a threat to the community.”
DI Lovell also expressed gratitude towards the member of the public who intervened on the night of the incident, stating their support was greatly appreciated by the victim and had a significant positive impact.