Sunday 4 October 2020

Abuser Faces Justice Four Decades On

A paedophile, who abused two young boys four decades ago, has been jailed for eleven years.

Graham Brightwell, 69, of Peabody Hill, West Dulwich preyed on the pair in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to six counts of indecent assault, which covered multiple incidents and one count of attempted buggery.

The offences were first reported to the police in September, 2017.

Both victims gave statements, detailing the abuse they suffered at the hands of Brightwell.

One victim said the abuse went on for eight years, ending when he turned 16 years-old.

Detective Constable Graham Blake from the West Area safeguarding unit, said: “Brightwell took advantage of his young victim’s vulnerability, sexually abusing them on numerous occasions when the opportunities presented themselves.

I would like to praise the victims’ courage in reporting what happened to them to police. 

A serious crime committed thirty years ago is still a crime. 

While investigations into non-recent sexual offences can be challenging, we have specially trained officers who will follow up all lines of inquiry, and seek to prosecute when the evidence will support it.”

To report a rape or sexual offence, call police on 101, report it online at www.met.police.uk or visit a police station. 

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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