DAVID CARTER OF HAVERHILL CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS IN STEEPLE BUMPSTEAD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Haverhill and the surrounding areas, David Carter, a resident of St Mary’s Walk, Steeple Bumpstead, was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls. The crimes took place over a span of approximately one year, from January 2006 to January 2007, and involved multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

During the trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the jury deliberated for a total of 14 hours and eight minutes before reaching their verdicts. The court heard disturbing details of Carter’s actions, including an incident where he allegedly raped a girl aged six or seven inside the toilet of his home. According to court testimony, Carter forcibly pinned the young girl to the floor and threatened her, stating that he intended to have sex with her, and even threatened to kill her or throw her out of a window if she resisted.

The case also revealed that one of the victims disclosed the abuse to her school in 2011, which prompted authorities to investigate further. This led to the police locating and interviewing the second complainant, who was nine years old at the time. Despite the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial, Carter maintained his innocence, insisting that the girls were lying and asserting, “I have done nothing wrong, nothing at all.”

During the proceedings, Carter’s mother and sister testified in his defense, attempting to support his claims of innocence. However, the jury found him guilty of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and attempted rape involving the two girls. Notably, Carter was acquitted of a separate charge of raping a girl under the age of 13, which pertained to an incident between January 30, 2005, and January 26, 2006.

Following the verdict, Carter was remanded into custody while a psychiatric assessment is conducted to determine his mental state. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in cases of child abuse.