BRISTOL TEACHER DAVID DERRICK SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN BRISTOL COURT CASE

A teacher from Bristol has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of a serious sexual offence. David Derrick, aged 41 and residing in Warmley, was convicted of rape following a trial at Bristol Crown Court. The case concluded in December when a jury unanimously agreed on his guilt, despite Derrick’s insistence that he reasonably believed the victim was consenting at the time of the incident.

The court was informed that there was no dispute over the facts of what transpired, but Derrick maintained that his belief in the victim’s consent was reasonable. The jury, however, concluded that his belief was unfounded and unreasonable. The incident involved a brief act of intercourse, which the court was told lasted only a few seconds. Derrick’s defense, led by David Jeremy KC, argued that Derrick immediately withdrew from the act and apologized, with evidence of his remorse demonstrated through messages sent from his phone the following day.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was profoundly affected by the assault. Her victim impact statement, read aloud in court by Mark Worsley KC, the prosecutor, detailed how her life had been irrevocably changed since the incident on November 29, 2022. She described experiencing feelings of confusion, shame, and embarrassment, and feeling isolated, silenced, and degraded by what had happened. The statement also highlighted the devastating impact on her family and friends, emphasizing her struggle to remain strong amid the trauma.

Over the two years leading up to the court case, the victim recounted days of unbearable emotional distress. Despite the pain, she expressed relief that justice had been served, allowing her to hold her head high once again. Derrick was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. Her Honour Judge Moira MacMillan acknowledged Derrick’s previous good character and noted the absence of aggravating factors in the case. She remarked that Derrick’s remorse appeared genuine, citing his apologies at the time of the incident and ongoing expressions of regret.

The judge also highlighted the support Derrick received from 13 character witnesses, including his former wife, who described him as a caring and supportive individual who often prioritized others’ needs. Based on the circumstances, the judge initially considered a starting point of five years for such an offence but adjusted this to three and a half years due to the case’s unique factors. Ultimately, Derrick’s sentence was reduced to two years and nine months, reflecting mitigating circumstances.

Her Honour Judge MacMillan emphasized that Derrick’s career as a teacher is now permanently over, and he will face restrictions on the type of work he can undertake in the future. She informed Derrick that he could expect to be released on license after serving approximately one year and four and a half months, but he will remain a registered sex offender for life. Concluding her remarks, the judge expressed her hope for Derrick’s future, stating, “I wish you all the best in the future. This is clearly out of character for you.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police commented on the case, reaffirming that convictions for rape are achievable and that victims’ testimonies are taken seriously. The police emphasized the victim’s bravery in coming forward, which made the conviction possible, and expressed hope that her courage would encourage other victims of sexual offences to report their experiences and seek justice.