DERBY SEX OFFENDER DAVID LAWRENCE SENTENCED TO OVER FOUR YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT

In a case that has shocked the community of Derby, David Lawrence, a 43-year-old man from Bass Street, was handed a prison sentence exceeding four years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. The details surrounding the assault were not fully disclosed during the proceedings at Derby Crown Court, but the court was informed of the serious nature of the allegations and Lawrence's prior criminal history.

It was revealed that Lawrence was already serving time in prison for a previous offense when the new allegations emerged. His earlier conviction resulted in a 21-month jail term, which he was serving at the time the recent incident was reported. The court heard that Lawrence was interviewed in prison last month regarding the new allegations, during which he denied any involvement in the incident. Initially, he faced charges of raping the child; however, these charges were dropped during the trial, as explained by Mark Watson, representing Lawrence.

Judge John Burgess delivered the sentence, emphasizing the unusual circumstances of the case. He stated, "This is a most unusual case because of its history. You were already a serving prisoner when these fresh allegations came to light, meaning that the police had to visit you in prison to put the allegations to you before you were charged. The timing of all this is most unusual. It makes it a difficult sentencing exercise. But this is a very serious offence and one that you were convicted of by a jury."

The court also noted that Lawrence was subject to a sexual offenders' prevention order for ten years, which the judge subsequently extended indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his risk to the community. Mark Watson added that Lawrence had been demonstrating "exemplary behavior" since his initial incarceration, suggesting some level of remorse or compliance during his time behind bars. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about sexual offenses and the importance of vigilant legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals in Derby and beyond.