Elderly man jailed for Bristol child sex offences
Robert Giles, who's 76, had to be extradited from Spain
An elderly man extradited to the UK from Spain has been jailed for sexual offences against a child in various locations, including Bristol.
Robert Giles, who is 76 and from Calle Manuel de Falla, in Algorfa, Spain has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for multiple offences including raping and sexually assaulting a girl across almost a decade.
He pleaded guilty to 12 charges also including attempting to rape a child, one of raping a child under 13 and six counts of having sexual activity with a child.
The offences came to police attention in 2020 when a third party reported the incident to police, following which two Avon and Somerset Police officers attended Giles' home in Spain as part of a European Investigation Order.
They seized several items including laptops and phones and he was arrested in January this year and then extradited in May.
In a personal impact statement, the complainant said: "When I found out this was coming to an end, it was a massive sense of relief that I don't have to see or think about him again.
"I felt ashamed and guilty about what had happened.
"I was embarrassed and didn't want people to judge me and see me as someone who was weak and that I'd let someone do this to me.
"I always blame myself, as much as I shouldn't.
"It was what I was told to believe from the start, that this was my fault and that I'd be the one who got in trouble.
"I felt very vulnerable when I first opened up about it and started telling people.
"I had carried it for so long. I hate people calling me a victim, because I'm still a person."
When speaking about her next steps after the sentencing, she said: "It feels like a massive weight has been taken off my shoulders when people knew, not having to lead this secret and huge lie I have kept for nine years of my life.
"I want to use my experiences to make a difference to others.
"It makes me feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel and it was worth something if I can make some change."
Along with his 15-year prison sentence, he was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be a registered sex offender for life.
Investigating officer DC Hannah Skelding said: "The complainant has shown immense strength and bravery throughout the duration of this lengthy and complex investigation.
"Giles is a dangerous offender who is now off the streets and can no longer harm anyone else.
"We hope this sentence is welcomed by the complainant and she is able to move forward with her life.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the court, the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police for their assistance in this investigation, which was complicated by Giles living in Spain.
"With their help we were able to extradite him following a warrant, so he could be held to account for his horrific actions."
If you suspect someone is assaulting a child, or you have concerns that they are a victim of child sexual exploitation (CSE) please visit Report child sexual exploitation | Avon and Somerset Police.
If the child is in immediate danger, contact 999 immediately. Alternatively, call 101, report it online or visit a police station.
You can also find a wide range of support via this link.