News / Crime
‘Calculated’ paedophile from Lockleaze sentenced to 12 years in prison
A “calculated and determined offender” who committed sex offences against nine children over several years has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Avon & Somerset Police said that Thomas Rawlings “went to great efforts to commit appalling offences against children and hide that offending”.
The 35-year-old from Lockleaze groomed and exploited his victims, and lied to them about his age, making out he was up to 20 years younger than he really was.
After first contacting one of his victims online, this later progressed to physical meetings, with Rawlings booking hotels for them to meet in, where he groomed and exploited her into a sexual relationship with him.
Registered sex offender Rawlings, who was first convicted in 2012, pleaded guilty to 33 charges in relation to nine children.
Judge James Patrick said that Rawlings was a dangerous, obsessed and persistent paedophile who targets young people for sexual gratification and a feeling of power.
The judge said: “You scared your child victims and caused them emotional torment. You ripped families apart. You have worsened the lives of the vulnerable. You have ruined trust. You have caused some to feel suicidal.”
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Avon & Somerset Police detective inspector Adam Knee from the Internet Child Abuse Team said: “Rawlings is a calculated and determined offender who went to great efforts to commit appalling offences against children and hide that offending.
“The victims have shown incredible bravery and resilience throughout this investigation and have been a credit to themselves and their families.
“Thankfully we have been able to support them throughout and will continue to do so through our partners if required.”
Knee praised the efforts of the investigating officer, Martin Parsons, who was supported by PC Mel Furey and DS Helen Holt and many others.
Parsons was given a Crown Court Commendation by Judge Patrick in recognition of his work identifying Rawlings’ victims.
Knee added: “The evidence they gathered against Rawlings was so overwhelming that his guilty plea was through lack of choice rather than remorse. The sentence passed down today reflects the gravity of the offences committed by him.”
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police
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