Pensioner Jailed Over Shocking Abduction and Assault of 12-Year-Old Boy
A 76-year-old pensioner, Tony Spilsbury, has been slammed with a four-year and eight-month prison sentence after abducting and sexually assaulting a vulnerable 12-year-old boy in Bulwell marketplace on July 11, 2023.
Twisted Plot in Bulwell Marketplace
Spilsbury approached the young boy under innocent pretences, striking up a conversation and asking for help with his van. But the meeting took a sinister turn. He drove the child to a quiet spot in a nearby car park and launched an appalling sexual attack.
The brave boy fought back and was pushed out of the van shortly after. Quick to act, he went straight to his mum who flagged down a passing Police Community Support Officer.
Police Hunt Leads to Swift Arrest
Nottinghamshire Police moved fast, launching urgent investigations and arresting Spilsbury the next day at his Mapperley home.
Spilsbury tried to claim it was all a “misunderstanding”, saying the boy came to him asking for money and he was just giving him a lift. But CCTV footage told a damning story. It showed Spilsbury deliberately tracking the boy when he spotted him alone in the marketplace.
Justice Served at Nottingham Crown Court
Although not convicted of a specific child abduction offence, Spilsbury pleaded guilty to sexual assault by touching and admitted to taking the boy. At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, he was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, plus three years on licence after release.
He will also be slapped on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
“The victim showed tremendous bravery throughout this ordeal. Spilsbury’s actions were calculated and devious,” said Detective Constable Stephen Dunn. “We hope this sentence brings some comfort to the victim and his family.”
