DAVID CHAMBERLAIN FROM ACTON JAILED FOR MOLESTATION OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LONDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Chamberlain, a 43-year-old man residing on Newburgh Road in Acton, has been sentenced to two years in prison for the sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl. The incident took place in October 2009 at Chamberlain's residence in Acton, where the young girl was spending the night under the care of her family friends.

Chamberlain, who was previously registered as a sex offender in the United States, was brought before Isleworth Crown Court last Friday to face charges related to the assault. The case gained further attention due to Chamberlain's professional background as a screenwriter working with young people at Ealing Studios, raising concerns about his interactions with minors in the community.

The victim's mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, expressed her anguish and frustration following the sentencing. Speaking to the Gazette, she said, "I'm glad he has gone to jail and I hope it goes slowly for him. But he'll be out in one year, and that’s not worth all the stress he has caused us." Her daughter, now seven years old, was assaulted during a sleepover at Chamberlain's home. Despite initial reservations, the family had allowed the girl to stay over, as they often looked after each other's children.

It was only after a second sleepover, when the girl was unharmed, that she confided in her mother about what had happened. Her mother recounted, "I was in shock. I don’t know why she didn’t tell me before. I didn’t know what to do. It’s not in her character to lie, but if she was lying, an innocent man could go to jail." Following her disclosure, social services and police were immediately involved. Chamberlain initially denied the allegations, delaying the investigation for a year and a half, which resulted in the girl and her family undergoing extensive interviews and the distressing prospect of facing Chamberlain in court.

Further investigations revealed troubling details about Chamberlain’s background. Just prior to his trial, his legal representative withdrew from his case, prompting police to look deeper into his history. It was discovered that Chamberlain was listed on the Megan’s Law website, a public registry in the United States that tracks sex offenders, for attempting to molest or annoy children. It was also revealed that he had fled the US in July 2008 without informing authorities, seeking refuge in Britain.

The victim’s mother expressed her disappointment and concern over the lack of a comprehensive system to monitor offenders who commit crimes abroad. She stated, "I feel let down. Why is there no system for checking for crimes committed abroad? Then this might not have happened." She also shared her ongoing fears for her daughter’s safety, noting that her family no longer allows her to stay at friends’ houses.

Chamberlain’s involvement in the community extended beyond his personal life. It was alleged that he used his skills as a screenwriter to gain access to teenage girls from the Barbara Speake Stage School in Acton. Some of these girls, who participated in a film he cast, were reportedly disturbed when they learned of his criminal actions. The girls’ mothers described their daughters as being uncomfortable around Chamberlain, recalling that he was very touchy-feely during their interactions.

Barbara Speake, the owner of the stage school, clarified that Chamberlain had no official role within the institution. She emphasized that the school adhered to strict procedures, including CRB and FBI checks, which Chamberlain did not undergo as he was not a staff member. She stated, "He had nothing to do with the school. Had he been a member of staff, we would have checked him thoroughly." Ealing Studios also declined to comment on the case.

In closing her statement, the victim’s mother issued a warning to other parents, urging vigilance and open communication with their children. She said, "I want to warn other parents, for them to make sure their children know they can tell them anything no matter what, otherwise people like that will get away with it." Her message underscores the importance of awareness and proactive safeguarding in the community to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.