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A Bedford man, Brian Watts, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two children over a span of two decades, authorities confirmed today.
The Crimes
Brian Watts, aged 79, committed his first offense in the early 1990s when he invited a young boy to his home under the pretense of playing on a games console. Watts, who was in his 40s at the time, sexually abused the boy during these visits. The victim, initially silent about his ordeal, reported the abuse to the police in 2020, having realised the lasting impact it had on his mental health.
In a separate incident, another victim came forward to disclose that Watts had sexually abused her from the age of six or seven. She reported the abuse to a trusted adult in 2019, who then informed the police.
Legal Proceedings
An investigation led by Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team culminated in Watts' arrest and subsequent interviews, during which he denied all allegations. The case proceeded to an 11-day trial at Luton Crown Court.
On Friday, 19 July, Watts, who resides on Kimble Drive, Bedford, was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison for the following offenses:
- Four counts of indecent assault of a male
- Four counts of indecency with a child
- Three counts of sexual assault of a child
Additionally, Watts will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.
Victims’ Impact Statements
In court, both victims delivered poignant impact statements describing how the abuse had profoundly affected their lives. One victim said, “I’ve carried this secret, the shame, sadness, and anger with myself for too long and I don’t know the person I could have been if this hadn’t happened.” Another added, “It’s hard to explain but I still struggle with physical touch from anyone. I am just not comfortable in my own skin, and this is because of him and what he did to me.”
Police Response
Detective Sergeant Gemma West, who led the investigation, expressed satisfaction with the custodial sentence. “I am pleased that Watts has received a custodial sentence, particularly after he denied all offenses which led to both victims having to give evidence against him in court, which was a very traumatic experience as they had to relive what had happened to them,” she said.
“However, they both demonstrated such bravery in doing this, and now Watts is behind bars I hope this helps them move forward in some way,” she added.
Detective Sergeant West urged other victims of similar crimes to come forward, regardless of when the abuse occurred. “If anything like this has happened to you, no matter how long ago, please come forward and tell us. I hope this case sends a message that it is never too late to report to us and we will do all we can to support the victim and bring the perpetrator to justice.”
How to Report Sexual Assault
Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to Bedfordshire Police by calling 101 or via their website.
