Tunbridge Wells Child Rapist Gets 16 Years for Horrific Abuse 50 Years On
Brian Bissell, 82, from Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, has finally been locked up for 16 years for raping a young girl more than five decades ago. The vile crimes shocked the Maidstone Crown Court in March 2025 after a retrial.
Historic Abuse Spanning Homes, Cars, and Woods
Bissell was found guilty of five counts of rape, with offences stretching back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. His victim was just 10 years old when he repeatedly attacked her at her own home — even sneaking in through her bedroom window. The abuse also happened at Bissell’s flat in Ravenswood Avenue, in his car, and once in the isolated Brokes Wood area.
Lengthy Investigation Brings Justice
The twisted crimes came to light after a long police inquiry launched in 2018. An initial 2023 trial collapsed after the jury couldn’t reach a verdict on all counts. But a retrial focusing on one victim led to Bissell’s full conviction.
Alongside 16 years behind bars, Bissell was handed a further one-year extended licence period on release, keeping him under watch.
Police Slam “Abhorrent” Crimes, Urge Victims to Speak Out
“Bissell abused the trust of both his young victim and her parents in the worst possible way,” said Detective Constable Hannah Crittenden. “His actions have had a lasting and profound impact on many aspects of the victim’s life, who lived in fear of him until he was arrested.”
“It’s never too late to report sexual offences. We have specialist officers working tirelessly to see offenders like Bissell face justice, no matter how long ago the crimes happened.”
kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police stressed that all sexual offence reports are handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality, urging victims to come forward without delay.
