Man from Weston-Super-Mare jailed for more than a decade for assaulting children
Martin Arnold pleaded guilty to 24 offences
A 65-year-old man has been jailed for more than 10 years for assaulting children over a 26-year period.
Martin Arnold, of Bristol Road Lower, Weston-super-Mare, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today after pleading guilty to 23 counts of sexual offences against six victims and one count of possessing pornographic images of children.
Arnold was handed a 12-year prison sentence as well as a being ordered to register on the sexual offenders register for life. He was also handed a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court heard how between 1996 and 2003 and again in 2020, Arnold sexually assaulted young girls on multiple occasions in various locations across Somerset. During this time, the defendant groomed the children with money, gifts, and day trips.
Arnold was arrested in February 2021 and prohibited images of children were recovered from laptops seized by police.
Investigating officer DC Anthony Davis said: "Many of the Arnold's victims are now adults and have lived most of their lives with the trauma of what happened to them for the past few decades.
"I commend each and every one of Arnold's victims for the incredible courage it has taken to support our investigation and to get them the justice they so rightfully deserve.
"The youngest victim, who after taking part in a Mental Health Week at her primary school, found the strength to speak out about her ordeal in a very challenging situation.
"This initial disclosure resulted in further victims being identified and being given the opportunity to speak out about what had happened to them.
"With all their help, we have been able to get a dangerous man off the street so he can no longer harm any other child.
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999
You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.