Pascal Bitton, 35, of Weston-super-Mare, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for the rape of a teenage girl and multiple sexual offenses involving other teenage girls. The verdict was delivered at North Somerset Court on Thursday, June 11.
Following a trial on March 18, Bitton was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl, two counts of offering to supply a Class A drug, involvement in the supply of cannabis, and possession of an offensive weapon. Additionally, he has been issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Avon and Somerset Police detailed that Bitton targeted girls when they were alone, gathering their contact information before offering them lifts in his vehicle. During these rides, he supplied alcohol and drugs to the victims. Once isolated and under the influence, Bitton sexually abused the girls.
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This sentencing concludes a child sexual exploitation investigation spanning several years, during which the police maintained consistent contact with the victims.
Det Sgt Olly Stokes of Avon and Somerset Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation Team (Topaz) praised the courage of the victims, emphasizing that the conviction has removed a dangerous individual from the community and reinforced the force’s commitment to safeguarding children.
One victim expressed gratitude in a letter to the police, stating, “You were so helpful and just generally amazing and now I never have to worry about him again thanks to their work. Communication and explanation of what was going on were exactly how I asked them for and they could not have been any better. I felt heard throughout the whole process and any decision I made was respected. I am eternally grateful.”
Support is available for victims of sexual assault, whether recent or historical. Individuals can self-refer to The Bridge, a 24/7 Sexual Assault Referral Centre by visiting their website or calling 0117 342 6999. Additionally, resources and support organizations are listed at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.
If anyone feels unsafe in public, they can report concerns via StreetSafe on the police.uk website. This tool helps law enforcement and partners identify and address areas where women and girls may feel vulnerable.