A SPEEDWELL man has been jailed for sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
Police say Thomas Brewer, aged 60, of Whitefield Avenue, “groomed and manipulated” his victims, leaving one suffering ongoing nightmares and social anxiety.
One was repeatedly assaulted over a period of around six months when she was aged under 16, while the other was abused during a party, when she was under 18.
Brewer was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison at Bristol Crown Court in March after being unanimously found guilty by a jury following a trial in January.
He was convicted of four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault against a female.
As well as his jail sentence, Brewer will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) placing restrictions on his activities to prevent him targeting victims in future.
‘I am not going to let this ruin my life’
His first victim wrote a statement that was read out in court on her behalf.
She said: “I hate Tom for what he did to me and the ongoing impact of it. This happening has made me grow up, and maybe quicker than I should have.
“I am not going to let this ruin my life. I have accepted it and can finally move forwards now.”
‘Sickening’
The second victim to come forward, who was under 18 at the time of the offences, told Brewer in her statement: “You show no remorse for your actions and it’s sickening.
“I really hope one day you realise what you did and how disgusting it is.
“The nightmares and social anxiety I get to this day are caused by you, but I want you to know you’ve not won and never will.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Eleanor Gaskarth said: “Brewer took advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce and manipulate his victims.
“He presented himself as a fun and helpful figure in the community – however, his grooming behaviours were targeted, deliberate and sustained.
“I would like to praise the victims in this case for their extreme courage and the immense personal strength it took to speak out.
“Their actions have been vital in bringing Brewer to justice, and their bravery will help protect others in our community.
“We hope this conviction sends out an important message – any acts of violence towards women and girls will never be tolerated and every victim deserves to be heard and supported.”