Tony Spilsbury, a 76-year-old pensioner, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after abducting and sexually assaulting a vulnerable 12-year-old boy in Bulwell marketplace on July 11, 2023.

Spilsbury approached the child in the marketplace, engaged him in conversation, and then requested assistance with his van. Subsequently, he drove the boy to a secluded area of a nearby car park, initiating a disturbing assault. The young victim resisted Spilsbury’s advances and was eventually pushed out of the van a short distance away.

Upon returning to the marketplace, the child promptly informed his mother, who alerted a passing Police Community Support Officer. Nottinghamshire Police initiated an urgent investigation, leading to Spilsbury’s arrest the following day at his Mapperley residence.

Spilsbury attempted to justify the incident as a “misunderstanding,” claiming that the boy had approached him asking for money, and he was merely offering a lift home. However, damning CCTV footage contradicted his account, clearly depicting Spilsbury targeting the boy after spotting him alone in the marketplace.

Although not convicted of a specific child abduction offence, Spilsbury pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by touching and acknowledged taking the boy. During sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, he was handed a four-year-eight-month prison term, with an additional three years on license upon release. Spilsbury will also be added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Stephen Dunn of Nottinghamshire Police commended the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation, emphasising Spilsbury’s cunning and premeditation leading up to the attack. Dunn expressed hope that the sentence provides some comfort to the victim and his family, highlighting the devious nature of Spilsbury’s actions.