Police appeal for more victims to come forward as Blackdown Hills paedophile jailed

A MAN from the Blackdown Hills above Wellington has been jailed for more than nine years for historic sex offences against three young children.

Police have also appealed for any other potential victims of the man to speak to them.

Colin Butcher, aged 61, of Dunkeswell, was sentenced in Taunton Crown Court on Thursday (October 8) for eight indecent assaults against girls under the age of 14 years.

His abuse occurred in the victims’ family home in Somerset and at his address in Dunkeswell, and included sexual touching, as well as digital penetration and causing his victims to touch him.

The victims reported the abuse as adults and Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation during which the trio were supported and offered access to specialist services.

Victim personal statements read to the court showed how the abuse had a lasting impact on their lives.

One said: “When the abuse happened to me, I had blocked much of it out and believed I was the only one affected and was going to take it to my grave.

“Then, I was made aware others had also experienced the same abuse by the same man.

“This makes me feel physically sick and has had a significant emotional impact on me, which I have found extremely difficult to process.”

A second said: “For too long, I buried this secret, a secret which should have never been mine to carry.

“I should have never grown up carrying this fear, worry, shame, or a loss of self-worth.

“What happened to me changed the way I saw myself and the way I saw the world.

“It took away parts of my childhood that I can never get back.

“I cannot change what happened to me, but I can finally use my voice to acknowledge it.

“And as a mother, one of the most important things I can do is ensure my children grow up knowing they are safe, their voices matter, and they will always be listened to and believed.”

The third victim said: “Colin Butcher sexually abused me, and I have carried the consequences of his actions throughout my life.

“It has affected my wellbeing, my relationships, and my sense of safety.

“Colin, I am not here today to give you the satisfaction of hearing how deeply your actions have affected me.

“But I will say this, what you did was never forgotten, never acceptable, and it has shaped my life in ways you will never fully understand.”

Butcher, who was arrested in July, 2023, initially denied the crimes but pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment.

He must serve a minimum of six years and six months before the possibility parole and will remain subject to licence conditions for the remainder of his sentence, together with an additional one-year extended licence period.

A 15-year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed and Butcher will remain subject to lifetime sex offender notification requirements.

Judge Richard Shepherd told Butcher: “You have had a devastating impact on their lives and that will sit with you forever.”

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Det Con Joe Lewis, who led the investigation, said: “Butcher exploited the trust placed in him to sexually abuse young girls over a prolonged period.

“His actions caused significant and lasting harm to the victims, who have carried the impact of this offending for many years.

“I would like to commend the victims for the courage, strength, and dignity they have shown throughout this investigation.

“The abuse they suffered has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives.

“I hope today’s sentencing provides them with some sense of closure and enables them to continue moving forward.

“Their bravery in coming forward has helped ensure Butcher is now being held accountable for the harm he caused.

“The dignity and courage shown by the victims throughout this investigation and at court have been remarkable.”

Det Con Lewis said police wanted to hear from other potential victims of Butcher and assured them they would be believed and supported and a thorough investigation would be conducted, no matter how long ago the offending happened.