Former Brighouse Man Sentenced to 10 Years for "Callous and Sadistic Attack"

Bradley Stevens, 27, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six years and three months in prison at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (Friday) for a series of offenses, including sexual assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

However, Recorder Benjamin Nolan QC also ruled that Stevens should be sentenced under the dangerous offender provisions, adding a further three years and nine months to his sentence.

The court heard that Stevens, who has previous convictions for sexual offenses and robbery, must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being considered for release.

During the attack on a woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, Stevens deliberately bent back her finger until it snapped, described by the judge as a "callous and sadistic act."

Recorder Nolan cited a pre-sentence report that referred to Stevens as posing an "on-going risk of serious harm." The report author stated, "He sees no harm in behaving inappropriately violently when he struggles to get what he wants."

Recorder Nolan concluded, "I have no doubt whatsoever that there is in your case a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm."

Stevens will also be required to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.