DAVID DAULBY RUNCORN PAEDOPHILE'S SENTENCE NEARLY DOUBLED BY TOP JUDGES

In a recent case that has shocked the community of Runcorn, a 69-year-old man named David Daulby has seen his prison sentence significantly increased after an appeal by the Solicitor General. Originally sentenced to two years in prison for heinous crimes involving a young girl, Daulby’s punishment was deemed too lenient by the Court of Appeal, which subsequently raised his sentence to three and a half years.

Daulby, a resident of Weymouth Close in the Murdishaw area of Runcorn, was convicted of grooming a seven-year-old girl over a period of time, beginning from when she was very young. His actions included making sexual remarks and physically touching the young girl, actions that have caused widespread outrage among the community and the victim’s family. The court heard that Daulby admitted to two counts of sexual assault and to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His initial sentencing took place at Warrington Crown Court in March, where he was handed a two-year jail term.

Following the sentencing, the case was brought before the Court of Appeal in London, with the Solicitor General Edward Garnier QC arguing that the punishment was unduly lenient given the severity of the crimes. The appeal was supported by the prosecution, emphasizing that the original sentence did not reflect the gravity of Daulby’s offenses. After careful consideration, three senior judges agreed that the sentence was insufficient and decided to increase it to three and a half years, sending a clear message about the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed.

Back in April 2012, the case had already garnered significant media attention and community concern. Daulby’s conviction followed a trial at Warrington Crown Court, where he admitted to sexually abusing the young girl during a family holiday. The court was told that Daulby had established a close relationship with the girl’s family, often sharing holidays abroad and spending Christmas at their home in Runcorn. This familiarity and trust made his actions even more reprehensible, as he exploited the trust placed in him by the family.

The victim’s family, who reside in the East Midlands, expressed their profound outrage and distress following the conviction. Her grandmother described her feelings of disgust, stating, “I am absolutely disgusted. We have suffered six months of hell not knowing if there would be a trial. He spent two Christmases in my home, and all the while, he harbored these feelings for my granddaughter. I am worried about the long-term effects this could have on her. As she grows up, anything could trigger this in her mind. He has destroyed her childhood.”

The girl’s uncle also spoke out, highlighting her bravery in speaking up about what happened. “She was brave and courageous to speak up about what had happened; otherwise, it could have escalated and been a lot worse,” he said. The family expressed their disappointment that Daulby’s sentence was so short, especially considering his previous convictions for similar offenses. The court revealed that Daulby had been jailed for 12 months in 1999 for indecently assaulting two females under 14, which added to the perception of leniency in his sentencing.

Judge Nick Woodward addressed the court, condemning Daulby’s breach of trust and grooming behavior. “You were accepted into their family, so they trusted you with their child. You have breached that trust. It is clear you were grooming her for sexual activity,” he stated. The prosecution’s case was supported by the facts that Daulby had a history of sexual offenses, which further underscored the need for a harsher sentence.

Matthew Dunford, representing Daulby, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf, stating, “He feels he has let the family down and is very remorseful for the way he has behaved. He has asked me to express that he deeply regrets what he did. Since his arrest, he has lost his home and spent 139 days in custody. He has already paid a significant price.”

Overall, this case has highlighted the ongoing issues of child protection and the importance of strict sentencing for offenders who breach the trust of young victims, especially those who exploit familial relationships for their own depraved purposes.