DAVID BULLOCK FROM SWADLINCOTE ADMITS SEX WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND RECEIVES TWO-YEAR SENTENCE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, David Bullock, a 25-year-old man from Swadlincote, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident unfolded during a period when Bullock's personal life was reportedly in turmoil, and his subsequent actions demonstrated a rare sense of remorse that ultimately led him to voluntarily surrender to the authorities.

According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Judge David Pugsley highlighted the unusual nature of the case, noting that in his four decades of experience working within the judicial system, he had never encountered a defendant who proactively approached the police to admit to such a crime. This act of self-reporting was seen as a significant factor in the sentencing decision.

Judge Pugsley sentenced Bullock to two years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized that the case did not involve any deeply disturbed or warped sexual tendencies. Instead, he described the act as “old-fashioned lust,” underscoring that it was driven by basic human desire rather than any form of predatory or abusive behavior. The judge clarified that while this was not classified as child abuse, the law rightly protected the 15-year-old girl due to her immaturity and age.

He further explained that the two-year sentence was the minimum permissible under the law, reflecting the seriousness of the offense but also acknowledging Bullock’s remorse and honesty.

The court heard that Bullock, who was then without a fixed address, had recently ended a two-year relationship with the mother of his child, with whom he had a child earlier that year. On June 23, Bullock visited a friend’s house in Swadlincote to assist with decorating. During this visit, a 15-year-old girl and her friend arrived to help with the work.

Prosecutor Karen Davenport-Coles described how the interaction between Bullock and the girl initially involved playful flirting, with the two flicking paint and water at each other. As the evening progressed, their relationship became more intimate, culminating in them sharing a kiss on the settee. At that point, Bullock indicated his desire to leave, but the girl pulled him back, insisting he stay, saying he would not get a second chance.

Despite his intention to depart, Bullock remained, and the two engaged in sexual activity. The following day, a friend of the girl contacted Bullock to inform him that she had been told about what transpired. Concerned about the potential fallout, especially with his ex-girlfriend, Bullock became anxious.

On June 28, Bullock contacted Derbyshire police, who advised him to visit the nearest police station. He complied and confessed to having had sex with a minor, explicitly stating, “I have had sex with a minor.” The police subsequently contacted the girl, who confirmed the encounter. Bullock was arrested, and the girl was subjected to a medical examination and a video interview to gather evidence.

During mitigation, defense lawyer Alistair Munt emphasized Bullock’s honesty and transparency following his self-reporting. Munt stated that his client accepted the wrongdoing and acknowledged that the girl was under 16. However, he maintained that there was no use of force and that the girl was willing at all times, asserting that Bullock’s actions were driven by personal circumstances rather than predatory intent.