Man who admitted sexually abusing three girls jailed for 14 years
A 57-year-old man has been jailed for 14 years for sexually abusing three girls.
Robert Ponter, of Longwell Green, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three counts of rape of a girl aged under 16. His victim was aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences.
He also admitted three indecent assault charges – two related to one 14-year-old girl and one to another girl of the same age.
The assaults took place in the Bristol area between 1998 and 2007.
In addition to his custodial sentence, Ponter was issued with an indefinite restraining order banning him from ever contacting his victims again.
He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
Police received reports about Ponter in 2007 and 2008. Investigations were carried out but at the time there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences.
Detectives received a third report in 2021 and subsequently reapproached the victims who’d previously reported Ponter’s abuse to ask for their permission to further investigate what happened to them.
In July 2024, following the conclusion of this investigation, he was charged with sexually abusing all three victims.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Lucy Heaps said: “Robert Ponter took advantage of three girls over many years, exploiting their young age to carry out his vile crimes.
“All three of his victims have demonstrated great courage by reporting what happened to them and by providing evidence which resulted in Ponter pleading guilty to all the offences during his first appearance at court.
“They continue to have access to specialist support services and I hope the fact he has been jailed for 14 years gives them a sense of closure.”
She added: “No investigation is ever closed and if new information or supporting evidence comes to light, such as in this case when we received the most recent report, we will revisit inquiries and do everything we can to get justice for victims.
“If you have been affected by this inquiry please do contact us, we can provide access to support and look into any reports you want to make.”
You can report rape or sexual assault, whether it is recent or non-recent, online or by calling 101.
If you are a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7, 365 days a year. Visit their website or call 0117 342 6999.
You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.uk for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.