A man from Birmingham has been jailed for 10 years after admitting a raft of sexual offences against children.
Brian Topliss from Alum Rock was arrested in May 2016 after one of his former victims found the courage to tell the police.
West Midlands Police executed a warrant at the 76-year-old’s address and carried out a full-scale search and seized computer equipment for analysis.
Officers conducted a meticulous investigation, which revealed a number of other victims, and Topliss was charged with making indecent images of children. Following publicity of Topliss’ court appearance, further victims came forward and more charges were put to him.
In October this year, Topliss pleaded guilty to four counts of indecency with a child, seven counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, three counts of possession of indecent photographs of a child and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.
Detective Constable Julia Griffin, from the force’s public protection unit, said: “Topliss befriended his victims by offering his home as a place to play computer games, or by taking them to parks or swimming. But he had a hidden agenda and abused those who trusted him in the most deviant way.
“No-one can underestimate the effect that sexual abuse can have on a child as they grow into adulthood and I can only praise the bravery of those who relived their experiences by coming forward.
“I am pleased that Topliss pleaded guilty and spared his victims the ordeal of a trial. I hope the sentence today gives them some comfort.”
Topliss was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday (19/11).
For more information on how to report sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/child-sexual-abuse
