Man guilty of multiple sex offences over 16 years

A man has been found guilty of committing multiple sexual offences against women, girls and boys.

Grant Wedlake, 32, from Felton, north Somerset, was found guilty of 12 offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13.

He was also convicted for the possession and distribution of an indecent image and possession of extreme pornographic images.

He is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 1 March.

The offences, which date back to 2005 and were committed over a 16 year period, include multiple counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, multiple counts of rape of a child under 13 and multiple other counts of rape.

The court was told how Wedlake's offending was first reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2022.

Investigating officer Ellen Rye said: "Grant Wedlake has abused multiple victims over a significant period of time, spanning from his youth, into his adult life.

"He took advantage of them at their most vulnerable moments and has used this to control them for his own benefit."

She added: "I want to commend the victims in this case for their patience, bravery and courage whilst the investigation was ongoing.

"These investigations can take time, but I hope that its conclusion goes some way in providing closure for them."

Ms Rye said she would urge anyone who is a victim of a similar crime to get in touch with police.

"You will be listened to," she added.

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