Former London firefighter Brian Doye raped and abused kids

Brian John Doye rose up the ranks of the London Fire Brigade in the 1970s and 80s, eventually overseeing multiple fire stations across south east London. 

He later retired and opened a convenience store in Woolwich, before moving to South Wales. 

But the whole time Doye had been hiding a dark secret – he was a paedophile who had raped and sexually abused three young children over the span of four decades. 

Doye, now aged 77, was jailed for 28 years on Friday (May 24) after he was found guilty of 28 child sex offences. 

Brian Doye (Image: South Wales Police)

‘You tried to destroy my inner soul’ 

Doye’s offending began in the 1970s and 1980s while he lived in various areas in south east London and North Kent including Sidcup, Gravesend, Welling and Woolwich. 

He raped and sexually abused two children from the ages of six and eight years old, but this abuse did not come to light until 2021 when a child he had sexually abused in South Wales more recently came forward. 

Doye, of Ystalyfera in Neath Port Talbot, denied the offences, but he was found guilty following a trial at Swansea Crown Court in April. 

Heartbreaking victim impact statements from the two historic abuse victim revealed how it had impacted their childhoods, their relationships and their entire lives. 

One victim said: “Sexual abuse and rapes were a regular part of my young life. 

“As an adult I soon realised the impact of Brian taking my virginity as a young child, he had no right. 

“My mental health has always been a problem. In my adulthood I’ve suffered most of my life with depression.” 

They described the guilt they felt at not coming forward about the abuse after finding out Doye had gone on to offend again. 

They said their suffering was made worse by Doye’s denials and the subsequent trial. 

“The trial itself was horrific. Speaking about my own childhood abuse in detail while that evil man was listening. To be told numerous times by his barrister that I was lying. Brian could have prevented it all but once again he chose to lie,” they said. 

They told Doye: “Brian, you tried to destroy my inner soul and my complete wellbeing from a very young age. 

“But I dug myself in and held my head up high. I am proud of the person I am, even with my mental health issues.” 

The other historic victim described how their mental health was destroyed by the abuse, leading to a suicide attempt at the age of 19. 

The court also heard from the mum of Doye’s most recent victim, who described how her child’s mental health had been devastated by the abuse. 

“They are so traumatised. I have seen the impact it has had,” she said. 

“I simply cannot bear to think about what he did. 

“The things he did are unforgivable, I will never trust anyone again.” 

'Cloak of respectability’ 

“You got to your mid 70s in a cloak of respectability,” Judge Catherine Richards told Doye. 

“But acting as a respectable man was a fraud. You are a paedophile with an entrenched sexual interest in young children.” 

Judge Richards said it was remarkable that Doye’s victims had survived the abuse that was inflicted on them. 

She added: “Survivor guilty is something that this court often sees. That is misplaced. You have manipulated everyone around you into thinking you are something you are not. The only person responsible for the hurt you have caused is, of course, you.” 

She sentenced Doye to 28 years in prison, with two years extended licence. 

He will serve 22 years in custody before he can be considered for parole. 

Detective Inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis, from South Wales Police, said: “I hope that the sentence Brian Doye has received will give his victims some closure after all these years. 

“His behaviour towards his victims over several years has been disgraceful; he clearly thought he could get away with his actions. 

“I would like to pay tribute to all the victims in this case, wo have shown incredible strength and courage throughout this investigation and trial. 

“We are robust in our stance against sexual offences, and today’s verdict sends a clear message that we will bring to justice those who sexually abuse and exploit children. 

“South Wales Police remains committed to tackling all forms of sexual abuse and have specially trained officers who are assigned to each case. 

“We work alongside our partner agencies to support those effected by this type of abuse, and I would encourage anyone to report abuse in any form to police. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.”