Filton man jailed for over 7 years for sexually abusing young girl
Craig James, 39, was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court
Last updated 6th Oct 2026
A 39-year-old man from South Gloucestershire has been jailed for over 7 years after sexually abusing a child.
Craig James, of Fillard Road in Filton, was also handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim.
The court heard how James had sexually abused the girl in 2024 and she told a relative about his actions later that day before submitting a report to police.
An investigation was launched by Gloucestershire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team.
James was arrested the following day before being interviewed and released on police bail.
He was later charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a girl by penetration, two counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
James denied all the charges against him and the case was due to go to trial but he changed his pleas the day before the victim was due to be cross examined.
He appeared at Gloucester Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday 22 September.
During the investigation a statement was provided to police by the girl who said:
"I have been depressed after this had happened, I can barely get out of bed some days and I can't take care of myself properly. I get tired because I can't sleep. I have nightmares because of what happened. I find myself constantly thinking about it.
"After everything that happened I sometimes feel guilty. It has made me think that I had done something to deserve what had happened to me."
Police Staff Investigator Ellen Forster said: "I would like to thank the victim for her bravery, courage and strength in reporting James' actions to us.
"It is never a child's fault if someone sexually abuses them, and it is important that children know this and feel like they can tell a trusted person about what happened."