Bradbury Sentenced to 22 years for Child Abuse | Bolt Burdon Kemp Bradbury Sentenced to 22 years for Child Abuse | Bolt Burdon Kemp

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Bradbury Sentenced to 22 years for Child Abuse

Arriving five hours before sentencing was due to begin Bradbury cut a lonely figure outside Cambridge Crown Court on the 28 November 2014.

Outside court three of the victim’s families waited for the hearing to begin.

Investigating Bradbury’s abuse

For the prosecution, John Farmer QC told the court that Bradbury graduated from the University of Birmingham and commenced his medical career at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. On the 28 November 2008 he commenced work as a consultant at Cambridge University Hospital, known as Addenbrookes.

The evidence amassed during the police investigation pointed to a longstanding sexual interest in boys aged between 10 and 16. The prosecution noted that whilst no convictions have been recorded prior to this it would be a “misnomer” to say that Bradbury is a man of good character.

Prior to the arrest by Cambridgeshire Police relating to the abuse of children under his care, Suffolk Police arrested Bradbury in relation to the purchase of a DVD containing indecent images of children.

Bradbury worked under the veil of respectability afforded to him by his status as a doctor. The court heard how it was the actions of an 11 year old, who told his grandmother about the inappropriate examinations that started the chain of enquiry in to Bradbury.

When first confronted with the allegations Bradbury sought to excuse himself by stating that the child in question had behavioural problems.  However, when confronted by a member of his church and asked whether the allegations were true he admitted they were. Bradbury had links to the local church and was involved in scouting.

During the investigation Bradbury’s laptop revealed images and videos of children of an indecent nature.

170,000 Photos

It was also revealed that Bradbury had a camera which was within his coat pocket. His coat was placed in such a manner that it would take photographs of patients whilst in states of undress. However, whilst the camera held 170,000 images the prosecution stated that none of the images were indecent. The prosecution submitted that the likelihood was that the camera was placed within his coat in the hope of capturing an indecent image.

Impact of Bradbury’s abuse

Whilst some of the families in the gallery wept the court heard the significant impact upon the victims. Most are now distrustful of doctors and wish to avoid attending hospital if possible. Others wonder why Bradbury did what he did. A statement from Addenbrookes’ Hospital CEO was also read out regarding the impact not just upon the victims but also the employees of the “close knit” unit that Bradbury worked on.

Defence

Angela Rafferty for Bradbury stated that she had been instructed to put forward no mitigation whatsoever. Bradbury accepted that his “desires are deviant” and that what he has done is “repugnant and he expects no understanding”. Ms Rafferty also stated that she had been instructed to refer to Bradbury as Mr Bradbury as opposed to Dr Bradbury. She stated that Bradbury:

“wishes to apologise to the children, their families and his colleagues, all of whom he has horrendously betrayed”.

Sentencing

Sentencing Bradbury to 22 years imprisonment Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said:

“I have never come across a more culpable or grave course of sexual criminality which has involved such a gross and grotesque breach and betrayal of your Hippocratic Oath and trust reposed in you by your patients, their families and colleagues”.

Bradbury sat impassive in the dock whilst Judge Hawkesworth stated that there are:

“almost too many aggravating features to enumerate in this prolonged, carefully planned, cruel and persistent campaign of abuse”.

Judge Hawkesworth has also recommended the investigating officers for commendations relating to their speedy investigation in to Bradbury, ensuring that the matter was handled sensitively for the sake of the families.

As Bradbury was brought down to the cells, his victims and their families expressed their happiness with the long sentence, although most acknowledged that his actions will probably have everlasting consequences on those he treated and those who placed their trust in to him.

You can read my previous blog on the abuse of trust by Bradbury here.

If you think you may have a claim, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team for a free, confidential and no obligation discussion on 020 7288 4800. Alternatively, you can complete this form and one of the solicitors in the Child Abuse team will get back to you. You can find out more about the team here.

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