DALE WHITEHEAD FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR UNDERAGE SEX OFFENSES IN MALPAS ROAD HOTEL
In a serious case that has shocked the Newport community, Dale Whitehead, a 19-year-old man from Newport, was sentenced to prison after admitting to engaging in a sexual relationship with a girl under the age of 13.The incident came to light in September of the previous year when the girl was reported missing by her mother.
According to reports, the young girl had gone to bed the night before, but when her mother went to wake her in the morning, she was no longer in her bed.
Concerned for her daughter's safety, the mother attempted to contact her through friends, but was unsuccessful.
Fearing the worst, she promptly reported her daughter missing to the police.
Law enforcement officers traced the girl’s whereabouts to the Etap Hotel located on Malpas Road in Newport.
When police arrived at the hotel, they entered the room where Whitehead was found.
He was discovered lying on the bed wearing only his boxer shorts, while the girl was dressed in her jeans and a bra.
The police investigation revealed forensic evidence linking Whitehead to the girl’s clothing, which played a crucial role in the case.
At Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Whitehead, who was 18 at the time of the offense, had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including abducting a child, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, possessing a Class C drug, carrying an offensive weapon, and failing to surrender to authorities.
Further investigation uncovered that Whitehead resided on Carey Road in Newport.
During his arrest, officers seized a 5,000-volt stun gun from his residence, and upon arrest, he was found to be in possession of approximately £10 worth of cannabis.
Whitehead’s defense attorney, Nigel Fryer, argued that his client understood the inappropriateness of his actions but emphasized that the girl had gone with Whitehead willingly, without force or coercion.
Fryer also explained that Whitehead possessed the stun gun to impress others, claiming he was unaware that owning such a device was illegal.
It was also disclosed that Whitehead had a criminal history, with seven previous convictions, including assaulting a police officer and driving while disqualified.
The court was informed that he had a history of mental health issues, for which he was currently receiving medication.
Judge Roderick Denyer addressed the court, stating, “The age difference between 18 and 12 is unlawful and represents a significant exploitation of the minor involved.” In sentencing, Whitehead was given a total of two and a half years in prison for the sexual activity and abduction charges, with additional sentences of 12 months for possessing the stun gun, three months for cannabis possession, and one month for failing to surrender, all to run concurrently.
Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.
