DAVE EVANS OF CLECKHEATON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN LEEDS

In a case that has shocked the community of Cleckheaton and the wider Leeds area, David Evans, aged 39, has been handed an indefinite prison sentence following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court, where Judge Penelope Belcher emphasized the grave danger Evans poses to children and the lasting impact of his actions.

Evans, who was formerly residing on Stonefield Street in Cleckheaton, was found guilty by a jury of five counts of sexual assault committed against three girls all under the age of 16. In addition to these convictions, Evans pleaded guilty to ten separate charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent photographs of children. During the police investigation, authorities discovered a total of 347 images on his computer, highlighting the extent of his misconduct.

The prosecutor, Adrian Strong, detailed the profound psychological effects inflicted upon the victims, noting that they have been suffering from anxiety and nightmares since the incidents. The emotional trauma inflicted by Evans’s actions has left deep scars on the young girls, who are now dealing with the aftermath of their abuse.

Rebecca Young, representing Evans in mitigation, stated that her client was in denial about his involvement in the crimes. This denial, according to her, hindered his ability to participate in a sex offender treatment program, which could have been instrumental in his rehabilitation. The judge, during the hearing on Monday, underscored the serious psychological harm caused by Evans and expressed concern that his continued denial of guilt would prevent him from receiving necessary treatment.

Judge Belcher ordered Evans to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. Furthermore, she mandated that he serve a minimum of eight years in prison before he can be considered for parole or release. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his offenses and the need to protect the community from further harm.

Det Chief Insp Andy White of Kirklees Police commented on the case, stating, “Evans committed a number of despicable crimes against young and vulnerable children, and I believe the court has appropriately reflected this in his sentence. Both physically and online, he exploited the trust of his victims for his own perverse purposes.”

He added, “It is my hope that the punishment handed down will enable the victims to begin the process of moving forward with their lives. I also want to thank the victims, their families, and the community for their courage and support throughout this investigation.”