Bristol man jailed for life for multiple sex offences
- Published
Stutt will be on the sex offenders register for life
A man has been jailed for life for committing multiple rapes and other sexual offences over a 40-year period.
David Stutt, 56, of Wade Street, Bristol, was given a minimum jail term of 13 years and four months after pleading guilty to 10 offences against women and girls.
During sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Martin Picton described him as "truly a monster".
One of the victims said she could finally live "out of the shadows".
"On that day when I received the phone call saying David Stutt had been arrested, I felt the glass floor that I'd been walking on for over 45 years crack and shatter," she said.
'Manipulative control'
Avon and Somerset Police said Stutt attended a police station in December 2021, two days after a report was made to police that he had raped and sexually assaulted one of his victims on multiple occasions over more than 10 years.
More victims then came forward with offences dating back to 1978 and he was charged in February of this year.
During sentencing on 30 November, Judge Picton said the case was "so awful" it stood out from the norm.
Following news of Stutt's sentencing, the victim added: "I could breathe in for the first time knowing my life in hiding the secret was over, no more pushing it down into the ground and pretending it didn't matter, I didn't matter.
"I was told they'd never believe me over him. He had everyone under his manipulative control one way or another.
"I hope that I can now move forward with my life, speak openly about my ordeal, and begin to live my life out of the shadows that clung to me for so many years."
DC Shelly Bennett, an officer in the case, said Stutt's victims had been "extremely courageous" in coming forward.
"Stutt is a dangerous man who took advantage of those closest to him. His offending was motivated solely by his own needs, and he has shown no remorse throughout the proceedings," she said.
"I want to encourage any victim of sexual offences to report any concerns to police, where their report will be investigated to its fullest."
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