“Dangerous sexual predator” given life sentence for years of abuse

Wednesday 11 February 2015

A paedophile who police say subjected his young victim to “the worst campaign of sustained abuse against a single victim that the Island has ever seen” has been given a life sentence by the Royal Court.

Ian Bartlett (55) had admitted what the police called the serious and sustained sexual abuse of his victim, pleading guilty to counts of rape, procuring an act of gross indecency and indecent assault. Yesterday afternoon the Royal Court handed down a life sentence, with a minimum term of 10 years.

To protect the identity of the victim, reporting restrictions were imposed on the case.

But last night, as Bartlett began his sentence, the States of Jersey Police issued a statement praising the bravery of his young victim for reporting what had been done to her.

Detective Inspector Mark Hafey, who was the senior investigating officer for the investigation against Bartlett codenamed “Operation Globe”, said that the abuse only stopped when Bartlett was arrested.

He said: “Bartlett’s criminality has been described as “the worst campaign of sustained sexual abuse against a single victim that the Island has ever seen.

“Every part of the police investigation revealed a high level of controlling and manipulative behaviour by Bartlett who is a dangerous sexual predator.

“He was clearly only interested in satisfying his own sexual gratification and gave no thought or consideration to the abuse that he was subjecting his young victim to. Bartlett has never shown any degree of remorse for his behaviour.”

Det Insp Hafey also said that Bartlett had admitted possessing over 3,000 indecent images of children – he said that possession of child abuse images would not be tolerated by the police.

And he paid tribute to the courage of Bartlett’s young victim, who is receiving counselling as she rebuilds her life after years of abuse.

Det Insp Hafey said: “The young victim has shown incredible courage in reporting what was happening to her and since the initial disclosure has shown strength and commitment in supporting this investigation.

“She suffered prolonged and sustained abuse in the most serious form and work with this young victim will not stop now that her attacker has been sentenced. Agencies will continue to offer this victim support and guidance.

“This investigation saw close working with a number of Jersey agencies including Children’s Service and the Law Officers Department. The investigation also saw liaison with the FBI which sought to ascertain how far-reaching Bartlett’s offending was.

“Any parents who have concerns about suspected Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation can contact the MASH on 519000 or the Public Protection Unit at Police Headquarters via 612612.”