Man who committed ‘horrendous’ child sex offences jailed
A 74-year-old man who committed “appalling” sexual crimes against children over more than 30 years has been jailed.
Martin Brunt, of Warmley, South Gloucestershire, was found guilty in January of eight offenses occurring between 1992 and 2024, including sexual activity with a child and causing or encouraging a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Brunt, who denied the offences, was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Det Con Cheryl Aucott, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Brunt was trusted by his victims, who were all children at the time of his offending.”
“But he took advantage of their vulnerabilities to commit sexual offenses against them solely for his own sexual gratification,” Det Con Aucott added.
Brunt was also found guilty of sexual assault on a child under 13, indecency with a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and three counts of exposure, after denying all offences.
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Police said Brunt was arrested in February 2024 after receiving a report of him performing a sexual act in front of a minor.
Following the arrest, detectives received further allegations of similar crimes committed by him and he was later charged.
One of his victims, whose identity will remain secret for life, said: “I was really relieved to learn that Martin Brunt was being investigated by the police, as it gave me the opportunity to talk about what he did 20 years ago.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Brunt was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Det Con Aucott said: “The fact that these offenses took place over a period of more than three decades shows how depraved he was.” he added.
“The investigation and court process caused serious concern for the victims and their family members.
“They each deserve huge praise for their strength and courage in helping to ensure Brunt faced justice for the terrible crimes he committed against them.”
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