A child rapist from Tunbridge Wells has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of horrific offences committed more than 50 years ago.

Brian Bissell, 82, of Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, was found guilty of five counts of rape at Maidstone Crown Court following a retrial in March 2025.

The offences date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Bissell repeatedly abused a young girl from the age of just 10 years old. The abuse took place in various locations, including the victim’s home — where Bissell would enter through her bedroom window — at his flat in Ravenswood Avenue, in his car, and once in the isolated Brokes Wood area.

Long Investigation Leads to Justice

A complex investigation into Bissell’s crimes began in 2018. After an initial trial in 2023 ended with a jury unable to agree on some verdicts, a retrial was ordered focusing on one of the victims. This time, the jury convicted Bissell on all counts.

Along with his prison sentence, Bissell was given an additional one-year extended licence period following his release.

Police Condemn “Abhorrent” Crimes

Detective Constable Hannah Crittenden said:

“Bissell abused the trust of both his young victim and her parents in the worst possible way. His actions have had a lasting and profound impact upon many aspects of the victim’s life, who has continued to live in fear of his presence until he was remanded in custody.

She continued:

“It is never too late to report any sexual offence. We have a team of specialist officers who work tirelessly to ensure offenders like Bissell face justice, no matter how long ago the crimes occurred.

Call to Victims

Kent Police reaffirmed that they handle all reports of sexual offences with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality, encouraging anyone affected to come forward.

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