Robert Ponter is in prison for sexually abusing three girls

Ponter was also given a restraining order banning him from having any contact with his victims indefinitely and will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers first received reports about Pointer in 2007 and 2008, but there was not enough evidence to prosecute him.

A third report in 2021 led to Ponter being charged with sexual abuse of all three victims in July 2024.

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

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