DAVID HARVEY OF WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND ONLINE FANTASIES IN LIVERPOOL
A man from Warrington, David Harvey, admitted to raping a young girl after authorities uncovered disturbing online conversations where he fantasized about abuse with other men.Harvey, 59, had groomed and repeatedly molested the girl, telling her during the abuse that "sometimes you have to do things you don't want to." Subsequently, he engaged in online chat sessions, telling one man he could impersonate his young victim in twisted sex games—referring to her by name—but insisted it was merely "role play." Harvey, of Blackcap Walk, Birchwood, Warrington, showed no emotion as Judge Andrew Menary, QC, condemned his "corrupt and depraved behavior." Liverpool Crown Court heard that the abuse was revealed in June 2020 when the victim’s mother received a text from her daughter’s school friend.
The girl confided to her mother that she had been sexually assaulted over several years and was too frightened to report it earlier.
Prosecutor Robert Dudley explained that the victim’s mother spoke with her, who confirmed Harvey had made her touch him.
The police became involved after this disclosure.
The court was told that Harvey's abuse involved making the girl undress, lying on top of her, and rubbing his genitals against her.
He also forced her to perform self-sexual acts, claiming he would not touch her if she did so—the girl did so out of fear of his reaction.
Harvey’s assaults included performing sex acts on the girl, forcing her to perform acts on him, and on one occasion, raping her.
The victim testified that Harvey, being larger and stronger, held her down if she refused to comply.
When questioned by police in July 2020, Harvey initially denied any abuse and dismissed the allegations as false.
However, a later interview in March 2021 revealed evidence of online conversations with other men, including a person named "Andrew." In one chat, Harvey told Andrew, "You can be [victim's name] and I can f*** you," and used her name during the conversation about sexual scenarios.
He also admitted to sending three images of his erect penis but claimed the chats were simply "role play" between two consenting men.
Harvey, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to charges of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
His victim now struggles with sleeping, experiences anxiety related to her trauma, and expresses a desire to forget her ordeal.
Her mother’s victim statement highlighted her own increase in anxiety and stress, along with concern for her daughter.
Defence lawyer Paul Wood acknowledged that Harvey anticipated a lengthy prison sentence and requested a 25% reduction for his guilty pleas.
He said Harvey shows some remorse, referencing his disgust in the pre-sentence report, and expressed shame for his actions.
Wood emphasized that this would be Harvey’s first time in prison and that he was aware his life would be profoundly altered—his good employment history had to be discontinued.
Judge Menary condemned Harvey’s conduct, stating, "Essentially during this period you used her as your sexual partner or sexual plaything, asking her if she wanted to have some fun and engaging in very intimate sexual activity.
This was thoroughly corrupt and depraved behavior." The judge highlighted the significance of the online chats with "Andrew," describing them as "very significant incriminating evidence." The judge noted Harvey’s initial denial of the allegations despite the police’s evidence, including his chat conversations involving fantasies about having sex with an adult dressed as a schoolgirl.
He remarked, "I have no doubt what you did to your victim will haunt her for many years, if not for the rest of her life," emphasizing the potential long-term impact on her relationships and mental health.
In sentencing, Harvey was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison, with an extended one-year license period.
This sentence requires him to serve at least half before being eligible for parole, and he can only be released early if deemed no longer a risk.
The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender and adhere to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
