DAVID BALLINGER FROM WINCHCOMBE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE IN GLOUCESTER

In May 2018, a deeply disturbing case unfolded involving David Ballinger, a 52-year-old man from Winchcombe, who was convicted of a series of heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The severity of his actions and the profound impact on the victim led to a substantial prison sentence, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.

Ballinger was found guilty of a disturbing campaign of sexual abuse that spanned several years, during which he filmed himself raping the girl and engaged in multiple acts of sexual misconduct. His behavior was described by the presiding judge at Gloucester Crown Court as 'depraved,' emphasizing the extent to which his actions had 'completely ruined her life.'

The criminal proceedings began in January when the offenses came to light following a police report. The investigation revealed that Ballinger had pleaded guilty to raping the girl, who was under the age of 13, during two distinct periods: between 2011 and 2014, and again between 2017 and 2018. In addition to these charges, he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the girl on at least seven occasions from 2014 to 2017.

Further charges included voyeurism, after Ballinger installed a camera to secretly watch the girl, and possession of child pornography. The police discovered a disturbing collection of images and videos, including nine videos and a still picture classified as Category A, 24 stills and 162 videos of Category B, and 935 stills along with 206 videos of Category C, all depicting child exploitation.

The case was brought to light when the girl’s mother contacted the police on January 18 at her home in Winchcombe. She had uncovered evidence of her daughter’s abuse after examining her iPad, which revealed that the girl had sent sexual photos and videos to Ballinger. The mother also found messages indicating that Ballinger had touched her daughter, confirming her suspicions.

During police interviews, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Ballinger since she was a young teenager, and that they had communicated via the iPad. The first rape, which Ballinger admitted to, involved abuse when she was much younger, and he had recorded it in a video lasting nearly two minutes.

Throughout the court proceedings, David Ballinger sat with his head bowed and tears in his eyes, visibly distressed. The judge, Ian Lawrie QC, acknowledged the emotional toll of the case, having read a victim personal statement from the girl that was described as 'painful' and reflective of the long-lasting trauma inflicted.

In sentencing, Judge Lawrie stated that if Ballinger had not pleaded guilty, he would have faced a maximum sentence of 13 years. However, due to his guilty plea, he received a reduction of one-third, resulting in a total prison term of eight years and eight months. The judge emphasized the importance of understanding the profound harm caused, noting that time would not diminish the emotional and psychological suffering endured by the victim.

Additionally, the court ordered Ballinger to sign the sex offender register for the remainder of his life. After sentencing, the court was cleared so that the judge could speak privately with the girl’s relatives, who had been waiting anxiously to hear the outcome of the case.