Man jailed for non-recent sexual offences against children

A man has been jailed for more than nine years after admitting non-recent sexual offences against three children in Somerset and Devon. 

Colin Butcher, 61, of Whitebeam Grove, Dunkeswell, in Devon, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, for eight indecent assaults against children under the age of 14 yesterday (Thursday 8 October).

Butcher was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment.  He must serve a minimum of six years and six months before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.  Following any release, he will remain subject to licence conditions for the remainder of his sentence, together with an additional one-year extended licence period imposed by the court.

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

After the victims reported the abuse as adults, Avon and Somerset Police launched a thorough investigation. The victims were supported throughout the investigation and offered access to specialist support services.

The abuse suffered by the victims has had a lasting impact on their lives, as detailed in victim personal statements that were read to the court.

The first victim stated: “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 that 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.

“I hope he spends a long time in prison.”

The second victim stated: “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 that my children grow up knowing that they are safe, that their voices matter, and that they will always be listened to and believed.”

The third victim stated: “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 was arrested in July 2023 and convicted of the offences on Monday 17 August 2026, which he initially denied, but he eventually pleaded guilty at trial.

In addition to receiving a custodial sentence, the court also imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and the defendant will remain subject to lifetime sex offender notification requirements.

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

We are releasing an image of Butcher from around the time of his offending and would encourage anyone who may have been affected by his behaviour to come forward. Victims of sexual offences will be listened to and supported, regardless of how long ago the offending took place.

Colin Butcher

Detective Constable Joe Lewis, from our Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the officer in the case (OIC), 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 that 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.

“We would also like to hear from other potential victims of Butcher and assure them they will be believed, supported and a thorough investigation will be conducted, no matter how long ago the offending happened.”