Man jailed for 23 years in connection with numerous child sex offences

A man has today (Friday 13 December) been sentenced to 23 years in prison in connection with non-recent child sex offences.

Martyn Bragg, aged 66, of Granes End, Milton Keynes, was convicted after denying multiple crimes relating to one victim.

A complex investigation looked into the rapes, indecent assaults and procurement of a miscarriage between 1978 and 1986. The offences took place in Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas, and involved one girl under the age of 14.  

Following a two-week trial at St Albans Crown Court, Martyn Bragg, pictured, was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault, five counts of rape, two counts of buggery, one count of indecency with a child and one count of conspiracy to precure a miscarriage.

During the same trial, his father Dennis Bragg, aged 95, of Hamilton Road, St Albans, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to precure a miscarriage having denied the offence at an earlier hearing.

Both defendants were found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault.

At St Albans Crown Court, Martyn Bragg was described by Recorder Butler as inflicting a ‘truly horrific campaign of abuse’ and sentenced him to 23 years in prison with one further year on extended licence.

He will serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. He also received a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Dennis Bragg was sentenced to a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Detective Constable Elizabeth McGrath, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and for reporting these heinous crimes.

“Martyn Bragg subjected her to sustained abuse and torment, and the impact of his actions have been long-lasting.

“The significant harm of the offending was evident to everyone who sat through the trial, and I hope today’s sentencing gives her the chance to gain some closure and move on with her life.

“Dennis Bragg, meanwhile, has been sentenced having played his part in the procurement of a miscarriage.

“I hope these convictions and sentences show that we will continue to take proactive action against offenders who target young people, regardless of when the offences took place.”

Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has several officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.