Robert Ponter sentenced to prison for sexually abusing three girls

Ponter was also given an indefinite restraining order, which means he will never have contact with his victims again. He will also be registered as a sex offender for an indefinite period.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, officers first received reports about Pointer in 2007 and 2008, but there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offence.

A third report in 2021 led to Ponter being charged in July 2024 with sexually abusing all three victims.

Detective Constable DC Heaps said: “All three of his victims showed great courage in reporting what happened to them and providing evidence which led to Ponter pleading guilty to all offences at his first court appearance.

“They still have access to specialist support services and I hope the fact that he spent 14 years in prison gives them some sense of closure.”