DAVID DUNHAM SENTENCED IN COVENTRY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRL AT AGE 11

A 55-year-old man from Coventry, David Dunham, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the mid-2000s. The case has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about safety and trust within close relationships.

According to court records, Dunham, who was known to the victim’s family, repeatedly violated the innocence of an 11-year-old girl over a period of several years. The incidents came to light after the victim, who had kept her trauma hidden for years, finally reported the abuse to the police a decade later. Dunham, who was a close family friend and had a relationship with the girl’s father, denied the allegations during the initial investigation.

The first assault occurred when the girl was just 11 years old. Dunham entered her home while her parents were at work and subjected her to a sexual assault. The girl recounted that Dunham followed her into the kitchen, where he physically lifted her by the waist and sat her on a work surface. He then proceeded to open her legs and stood in front of her, initiating unwanted physical contact. He began kissing her along her neck and eventually put his tongue in her mouth. The girl, distressed and uncomfortable, pushed him away and told him, “Don’t do that.” Despite her protests, Dunham continued to violate her boundaries.

On a subsequent occasion, Dunham offered the girl a lift, during which he repeatedly placed his hand on the inside of her thigh, further compounding the abuse. These repeated acts of misconduct were eventually brought to light during the trial at Warwick Crown Court.

The court found David Dunham guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assault and three counts of sexual activity with a girl between the ages of 11 and 14. The judge sentenced him to four years in prison. Additionally, Dunham will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on the victim.

Community members and advocates have expressed outrage over the relatively lenient sentence, arguing that Dunham’s actions warranted a much harsher punishment. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding, especially when trust is betrayed by someone in a position of familiarity and closeness to the victim.