DAVID BASSI FROM CHINGFORD SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE IN WALTHAM FOREST

In a case that has shocked the community and exposed serious failings in the local authorities, David Bassi, a resident of Morley Avenue in Chingford, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a prolonged and brutal campaign of sexual abuse and physical violence against a young girl. The abuse, which began when the victim was only 11 years old, spanned over four years, during which Bassi subjected her to repeated rapes, assaults, and severe physical injuries.

Despite the girl’s repeated attempts to seek help, her appeals for assistance were largely ignored by the authorities. It was only in 2009 that police took action, even though the victim had reported the abuse as far back as 2001, when she was still a child. The delay in intervention has been heavily criticized by the presiding judge, Timothy King, who expressed his disapproval of the police and social services in Waltham Forest for their failure to act sooner. Judge King described the prolonged period of unpunished abuse as a stark indictment of the systemic shortcomings that allowed such suffering to continue.

During the court proceedings at Snaresbrook Crown Court, harrowing details of the abuse emerged. The court heard that Bassi, aged 52, inflicted a series of brutal assaults on the young girl. His violent acts included raping her multiple times, breaking her nose on two separate occasions, and smashing her teeth. The court was also told that he shot her in one of her legs with an air rifle, a particularly cruel act that added to the physical trauma she endured. Bassi’s violence extended beyond sexual assault; he regularly punched and kicked her, slammed her against walls, and even held her by her ankles before dropping her onto her head, causing further injury.

When Bassi was finally arrested in February 2010, authorities discovered a disturbing collection of animal pornography on his computer, featuring images of horses and dogs. This revelation added another layer of depravity to his profile. Defense lawyer Daniel O’Malley attempted to mitigate Bassi’s actions by citing health issues, including Crohn’s disease and a hernia that left him weak and frail, though these claims did little to sway the court.

The police and local authorities have publicly acknowledged the shortcomings in their response to the victim’s pleas. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman stated that the force is aware of the judge’s comments and emphasized their commitment to improving child abuse investigations. She highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance training, strengthen partnerships with other agencies, and ensure that specialist Child Abuse Investigation Teams are equipped to handle such cases with the utmost professionalism.

As part of his sentence, Bassi will remain on the sex offender register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. A spokesperson for the local council expressed regret over any failures in safeguarding and emphasized their cooperation with police to uncover evidence and bring Bassi to justice. The council also acknowledged the importance of vigilance and continuous improvement in protecting vulnerable children, recognizing the complex and vital role they play in safeguarding the community’s youngest members.