The mum of a teenage girl who was kidnapped and assaulted by a serial sex attacker has spoken of her gratitude to the hard-working police officers responsible for bringing the rapist to justice.
The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke during a police commendation ceremony on Tuesday, January 24, to honour officers involved in bringing sex attacker Terry Bryant to justice.
Detectives honour officers in sex attacker case
She also paid tribute to the three Bracknell girls who were targeted by Bryant, calling them “true heroes”.
Bracknell was gripped by fear when rapist Bryant kidnapped and sexually assaulted two girls, as well as attempting to kidnap another young girl, between November 2009 and May 2010.
Teen rape victims ‘truly amazing’
Dozens of police officers worked to catch Bryant, 42, and bring him to justice as part of Operation Nemesis, which at its height saw more than 120 officers a day working on the investigation.
Up to 120 police a day on hunt for rapist
The mum said: “The day in question in 2010 started as just another ordinary day for us. Kids go off to school, you go to work and all meet up at the end of the day. You never expect anything like that could happen to your family.
“I remember calling 999 in such a mad blind panic. The person on the end of the phone calmed me down and kept me calm as possible.
“He explained everything as it was happening. I was so relieved to hear police cars and officers were on their way as we were speaking.
“Numerous police officers attended our home. One in particular stands out – PC Whelan.
“He was with us for some time and his attitude towards our daughter had a calming effect. Once again, he explained everything that was happening, when it was happening and why.
“The following month was more than difficult. We had so many people in our lives for the wrong reason. It’s difficult to put into words the effect this had on our lives.
“We went from being a normal happy family whose lives were taken over not only by interviews and appointments but to being a family caged in our own home.
“Doors and windows were constantly locked and what little freedom the children had was taken away from them through the fear he would come back.
“The guilt you feel is unbearable as a parent. For a very long time I felt that I should have been home that day.”
The mother added: “Without any of you, our doors and windows would still be locked. Something as simple as a knock on the door is no longer an issue. Once again, I would like to thank you all for your sheer hard work and the many, many long hours you put in during that time. You all deserve medals.
“Lastly, to the wonderful girls whose bravery, courage, honesty and determination make them the true heroes. Thank you.”
Bryant kidnapped a 16-year-old girl in Warfield and subjected her to a serious sexual assault in November 2009.
He kidnapped another girl, age 15, in Wildridings in May 2010 and subjected her to a serious sexual assault. On the same day as the Wildridings attack he tried to kidnap another girl, 14, but failed after she was able to run away and raise the alarm with a neighbour.