DAVID GLASS EXETER CHILD RAPIST SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEEN GIRLS

In April 2009, a man from Exeter, David Glass, was handed a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving underage girls. The 57-year-old, residing on Hayne Close in the Whipton area of Exeter, was sentenced to 14 years behind bars for his heinous crimes.

Glass’s conviction followed a detailed trial at Exeter Crown Court, where he faced ten charges related to sexual assaults on three girls, all under the age of 18. The charges included the rape of a 12-year-old girl, as well as other serious sexual misconduct. The jury, after careful deliberation, returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all counts, reflecting the gravity of his offences.

Among the convictions were charges of rape, inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of indecency with a child. Additionally, he was found guilty of two indecent assaults, two further charges of indecency involving a different victim, sexual activity with a child, and engaging in sexual acts in the presence of a child. These charges paint a disturbing picture of the extent of Glass’s criminal behavior.

During the proceedings, Glass admitted to some of the allegations, specifically acknowledging offences against one girl who was under 16. He pleaded guilty to two counts of indecency with a child and one of sexual activity with a child involving a third complainant. However, he denied other allegations, including those involving the same girl and additional charges concerning two other young victims from Exeter over recent years.

The court heard that Glass, who worked as an odd-job man, initially claimed that two of the girls had accidentally witnessed him engaging in a sexual act related to his unusual fetish for touching wood. He insisted he did not intend for the girls to see him and denied the full extent of the accusations made against him. During the trial, it was revealed that Glass had a fetish for wood, but he also stated that his preferences could extend to other materials such as plastic or metal.

Detective Constable Alan Simons, from the major crime investigation team, expressed strong condemnation of Glass’s actions. He stated, “David Glass abused the trust placed in him by the parents of three vulnerable children. All the girls knew him well and would have trusted him prior to any offences against them.” He further emphasized that Glass continued to deny most of the allegations, subjecting the victims to the trauma of recounting their ordeals in court. The officer highlighted the irreversible damage caused to the lives of the three young victims and noted that Glass showed no remorse or acknowledgment of the harm he inflicted.

Simons also pointed out that the case was particularly challenging and unusual. He mentioned that Glass had previously been tried for similar offences involving only one victim, which resulted in a hung jury. The case was reopened when two additional victims came forward, leading to the current convictions and sentencing. The police and victims alike welcomed the 14-year prison term, viewing it as a necessary measure to protect the community and deliver justice for the young girls affected by Glass’s actions.