Bruce Marshall

Bruce Marshall, 85, of Woolavington, Somerset, was sentenced to 22 years in prison at Exeter Crown Court on 27 April 2026. Marshall had previously pleaded guilty at the same court on 24 March 2026 to one count of rape, two counts of gross indecency with a child, and two counts of sexual assault against a child.

The investigation into the non-recent offences followed a disclosure made by the victim to police during an unrelated inquiry. Evidence gathered by investigators included reports of an assault occurring in the changing rooms of a swimming pool in Somerset. Following a police investigation that commenced in 2023, Marshall was interviewed and subsequently prosecuted.

During sentencing, HH Judge Climie remarked on the impact of the crimes on the victim, stating that the defendant's guilty plea could not compensate for the years of torture and cruelty inflicted. The victim provided an impact statement in court, detailing the long-term emotional impact of the abuse and the significance of finally achieving justice after decades of silence.