Robert Caradain

Robert Caradain, also known as Robert Gallop, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 6 June 2026 to 17 years and 10 months in prison for a series of child sex offences that took place between 1991 and 2000. The 48-year-old, who was of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in March 2024 to seven counts of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault involving two girls under the age of 14. Following a trial in December, he was further convicted of three counts of rape and one count of indecent assault against a woman over 16.

The three victims, whose identities are protected, gave powerful statements describing the long-lasting impact of the abuse. One wrote: "Writing this statement is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I need [you] to understand how deeply this has affected my life. What was done to me didn't just hurt me in those moments – it reshaped my entire life. It took away my safety, my trust, and the sense of innocence every child deserves." Another told the court: "It has shaped my life, my relationships, and even my experience of motherhood. I have worked hard to rebuild myself and create a safe, loving home for my children, but the emotional and psychological impact of what was done to me has been significant." The third victim stated: "The trauma has touched every part of my life, even the parts which should have been safe. What happened to me did not end when the abuse ended. I am still rebuilding myself, piece by piece."

Detective Constable James Birks of Avon and Somerset Police praised the victims' courage, saying: "I want to pay tribute to [the victims'] remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking about what happened to them – that courage has ensured this dangerous individual has been brought to justice and no one else will suffer at his hands."

In addition to the prison sentence, Caradain was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the risk he poses.