SHREWSBURY MAN DAVID FANNING CONVICTED OF ABUSING YOUNG GIRL IN SHREWSBURY

In a case that has shocked the community of Shrewsbury, David Fanning, a 51-year-old resident of Wingfield Close, has been found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault against a young girl over a span of ten years. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that began when the victim was just four years old and continued until she was 13. Despite the conviction on 11 counts of indecent assault, Fanning was acquitted by the jury on six charges of rape related to the same victim.

Fanning faced serious allegations that he committed these acts between 1999 and 2009, a period during which the girl, now 19, was unable to be named due to legal restrictions. The charges stemmed from the victim’s detailed testimony, which was supported by a video interview played in court, where she recounted the traumatic experiences she endured at the hands of Fanning.

The young woman described how the abuse started when she was approximately four or five years old. She explained that the first incident occurred when she was upstairs, going to the toilet, and Fanning approached her and began touching her. She recounted that this behavior persisted for about a year, with the abuse escalating when she was around six years old. She detailed an incident in the garage, where she was taken because she wanted an ice cream stored in the freezer. It was during this visit that Fanning began touching her and eventually forced her to touch him, threatening her with death if she disclosed the abuse.

The investigation into Fanning’s actions was initiated last year after the victim reported the abuse to authorities. The police conducted a thorough investigation, which culminated in the trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court. Throughout the proceedings, Fanning maintained his innocence, denying all charges of indecent assault and rape.

During the court session, Fanning showed signs of remorse or distress, keeping his head bowed and barely reacting as the jury foreman read out the verdicts. The judge, Peter Barrie, adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by probation services. Fanning was granted bail and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing after December 8, with the exact date to be announced.

The case continues to draw attention within the local community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for victims to come forward. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the justice sought for the young girl who endured years of abuse at the hands of someone she trusted.