Man jailed for more than seven years for sexually abusing a girl

A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years and seven months in prison for sexually abusing a girl.

Craig James, of Shellard Road in Filton, South Gloucestershire, was also handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl.

The judge heard how James had sexually abused the child in 2024.

She bravely came forward later that day and told a relative about James' actions before submitting a report to police.

An investigation was launched by the Constabulary's Child Abuse Investigation Team and James was arrested the following day before being interviewed and released on police bail.

He was later charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a girl by penetration, two counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

James pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and the case was due to go to trial in September 2027, however he changed his pleas the day before the girl was due to be cross examined.

He appeared at Gloucester Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday 22 September.

During the investigation a statement was provided by the girl which detailed the impact of James' actions.

The statement said: "If my mum hadn't noticed that something was wrong with me then I probably wouldn't have told anyone. This is because I didn't know that what had just happened to me was wrong.

"I was anxious that something like this would happen again. I became confused about who to trust and I lost trust in all men.

"I have been depressed after this had happened, I can barely get out of bed some days and I can't take care of myself properly. I get tired because I can't sleep. I have nightmares because of what happened. I find myself constantly thinking about it.

"After everything that happened I sometimes feel guilty. It has made me think that I had done something to deserve what had happened to me."

Police Staff Investigator Ellen Forster said: "I would like to thank the victim for her bravery, courage and strength in reporting James' actions to us.

"It is never a child's fault if someone sexually abuses them, and it is important that children know this and feel like they can tell a trusted person about what happened.

"We were able to get strong forensic evidence to prove what happened because she spoke to her mother shortly after his offending took place. This allowed us to seize items of clothing and gather strong DNA evidence.

"I know the sentence given won't take away the horrific memories that the girl now lives with, however, I hope it does allow her to start to move on from the crimes that James subjected her to."

Investigators are specially trained to support children who are victims of crime and ensure they are at the centre of how police seek justice. 

For more information about child sexual abuse and information on how to report, visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/ 

You can also contact the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) by calling 0808 800 5000.

Speaking with police and going through the criminal justice system is not something every victim/survivor wants to do.

Support is available from partner agencies for all victims/survivors, regardless of whether they choose to go through the criminal justice system or not – do not suffer in silence.

Craig James custody image