DAVID JAMES FROM LITTLEHAMPTON AND WOLVERHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ORLANDO AND EXETER

In a significant case that spanned continents and decades, David James, a man originally from Littlehampton and Wolverhampton, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against young girls. The conviction follows a lengthy investigation that culminated in his extradition from the United States, where he had been living for over ten years, back to the United Kingdom to face justice.

David James, aged 61, formerly residing on Skyline Drive in Orlando, Florida, was found guilty of 11 separate sexual offences that took place during the 1980s and 1990s. The offences included two counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and three counts of gross indecency. The victims, two young girls aged between seven and 11, and between 10 and 11 respectively, suffered abuse in different locations, notably in east Devon and the West Midlands, including Wolverhampton.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about James’s grooming tactics. It was established that he lured the victims to his home, where he was living at the time, under the pretense of playing with his five young sons. Initially, he engaged in seemingly innocent acts such as giving the girls piggyback rides, but these gestures quickly escalated into more serious sexual misconduct. James’s manipulation extended to calling each girl “my little princess” and using gifts like sweets and cash to silence them and prevent disclosure of his actions.

Prosecutors detailed how James’s offending spanned several years, with the abuse occurring in different settings, and how he exploited the trust placed in him by the victims and their families. The court heard that the abuse involved both physical assault and sexual acts, which left lasting trauma for the victims. The case was complicated by James’s flight abroad after the offences came under investigation in the 1980s and 1990s, prompting him to move to Florida.

His arrest in April 2012 marked a turning point in the case. After being apprehended in the United States, James was extradited back to the UK to face trial. The bravery of the victims and their families was praised by law enforcement officials, with Detective Constable Claire Ware commenting, “The victims and their families are very relieved at the outcome of this case. The police would like to commend the bravery of the two victims and the courage they have shown in giving very difficult evidence, and we hope they will be able to find some closure now.”

Following the sentencing, the court emphasized the severity of James’s crimes and the importance of holding offenders accountable, regardless of how long ago the offences occurred or where the perpetrator has fled to. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed or how far the offender has traveled.