Rodney Bunzly

Rodney Bunzly, a 57-year-old man from Weston-super-Mare, has been jailed for 12 years following his conviction for a series of non-recent child sex offences. The case, handled by Avon and Somerset Police, came to light after the victim bravely reported the abuse that occurred approximately two decades ago.

Bunzly was found guilty after an eight-day trial at Bristol Crown Court, where a jury convicted him on multiple charges. These included indecent assault against a child, indecency with a child, sexual intercourse with a child, and penetrative sexual activity with a child. Additionally, he was sentenced for the four most serious of 10 charges related to making indecent images of a child, with the trial concluding on 18 September.

Sentencing took place on 20 October at the same court. In addition to the 12-year custodial sentence, Bunzly is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim. The offences had a profound and lasting impact on the victim, who was very young and vulnerable at the time of the abuse.

• Indecent assault against a child
• Indecency with a child
• Sexual intercourse with a child
• Penetrative sexual activity with a child
• Making indecent images of a child (four counts sentenced)

The victim provided a powerful statement read in court, stating: “The last few years have been hard. When I found out what charges had been authorised against Rodney, I went to stay with my family as I felt weak and unstable. What Rodney did to me has been a constant burden. It has always been there in the background as something that happened and something that I had no control over. It has always been something that affected my ability to form relationships with others. Rodney has always made this about him, never displaying any remorse. I would like Rodney to know that I no longer feel guilty for his actions. I want him to know that despite what he did to me, I am in a strong place and am starting to enjoy life again.”

Detective Constable Joe Sanderson, the officer in the case from Avon and Somerset Police, commended the victim's bravery: “I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in speaking to us, and for her patience while waiting for her voice to be heard in court. Bunzly took advantage of the victim when she was very young and while she was vulnerable around two decades ago, and his targeted abuse had a lasting impact on both the victim and those around her. I hope this conviction demonstrates to others who have been subjected to abuse that we will listen and will take you seriously.”

Judge Moira Macmillan, in her summary, remarked: “I am satisfied she (the victim) has suffered serious and significant psychological harm as a result of the offences you committed against her.” The case underscores the long-term effects of such crimes and the importance of reporting them, no matter how much time has passed. Source: Avon and Somerset Police official news release, 21 October 2025.