DAVID KENDRICK FROM GRAVESEND INVOLVED IN CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN COUNTY DURHAM
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, David Kendrick, a man originally from Gravesend in Kent, became the focus of a serious criminal investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in County Durham.The incident came to light after Kendrick moved into a residence with a woman in County Durham in late September of the previous year, sparking concerns about his intentions and behavior.
According to court proceedings, authorities now believe that Kendrick's primary motivation for establishing a relationship with the woman was to gain access to her children.
The court was informed that shortly after moving in, Kendrick engaged in inappropriate online activities with one of the woman's daughters.
Specifically, he participated in live TikTok sessions where both he and the girl were lying on a bed, an act that raised immediate alarm among the family and investigators.
Prosecutor Jolyon Perks detailed that Kendrick would buy alcohol for the girl, often when her mother was not present, and during these times, he would sexually touch her.
The court heard that Kendrick also purchased clothing items for the girl, including hot pants, age-inappropriate pants and bra sets, as well as silk pajamas, further indicating his predatory behavior.
Following a family trip to a coastal holiday park, the girl confided in her mother, expressing her discomfort and stating she was sick of being touched by others and did not want hugs.
This revelation, combined with concerning comments on social media and Kendrick’s unusual interest in her daughter, prompted the mother to request a criminal background check on Kendrick.
As a result, Kendrick was asked to leave the family home in early December of the previous year.
Despite his departure, Kendrick attempted to re-establish contact with the girl through third parties and via TikTok messages.
He also sent a hostile message to the girl’s mother, calling her “a liar, a rat and a bitch.” The court was shown evidence that Kendrick’s haste to leave the residence resulted in him leaving behind a mobile phone.
This device contained recordings of him bouncing the girl’s younger sister off his crotch while she was dressed in her school PE kit.
Further analysis of the phone revealed the presence of indecent images of children, categorized into three levels of severity, all downloaded during the previous year.
In March of this year, Kendrick was interviewed three times regarding the allegations but denied any wrongdoing.
He faced five counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 and three counts of making indecent images of children.
However, just two days before his scheduled trial in October, the 40-year-old defendant changed his plea and admitted to the charges.
It was also disclosed that Kendrick has a criminal record comprising 16 convictions for a total of 38 offenses, highlighting a pattern of criminal behavior.
The impact of his actions on the family was profound; the mother revealed that they had redecorated their home in an attempt to erase the memories of Kendrick’s presence, and she expressed her belief that his behavior had undermined her relationship with her children.
In sentencing, Judge Ray Singh imposed a prison term of 38 months on Kendrick.
The judge emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “I’m afraid you have a deviant and unhealthy sexual interest in children which will need to be carefully addressed.
You were allowed into the family home by trust and you abused that trust.” Additionally, Kendrick was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to comply with indefinite notification requirements as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
