Gloucestershire man who sexually abused three young girls jailed
The assaults took place in the Bristol area between 1998 and 2007
A man from South Gloucestershire is today (19 September) starting a 14-year prison sentence for sexually abusing three girls.
Robert Ponter, who is 57 and of Longwell Green, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three counts of rape of a girl aged under 16.
His victim was aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences.
Ponter also admitted three indecent assault charges – two related to one 14-year-old girl and one to another girl of the same age.
In addition to his custodial sentence, Ponter was issued with an indefinite restraining order banning him from ever contacting his victims again.
He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
Though police received reports about Ponter in 2007 and 2008, there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences.
It wasn't until another victim came forward in 2024 and police re-approached several victims that he was charged.
'Exploiting their young age'
Investigating officer Detective Constable Lucy Heaps said: “Robert Ponter took advantage of three girls over many years, exploiting their young age to carry out his vile crimes.
“All three of his victims have demonstrated great courage by reporting what happened to them and by providing evidence which resulted in Ponter pleading guilty to all the offences during his first appearance at court.
“They continue to have access to specialist support services and I hope the fact he has been jailed for 14 years gives them a sense of closure.”
She added: “No investigation is ever closed and if new information or supporting evidence comes to light, such as in this case when we received the most recent report, we will revisit inquiries and do everything we can to get justice for victims.
“If you have been affected by this inquiry please do contact us, we can provide access to support and look into any reports you want to make.”