DAVID LILBURN FROM DROITWICH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT LOCAL HAIR SALON

In a case that has shocked the community of Droitwich, David Lilburn, a 24-year-old hairdresser, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy at the salon where they were both employed. The incident took place in December of the previous year, during the closing hours of the salon's business day.

According to court proceedings, Lilburn was making notable progress in custody and has since been working as a barber within the prison system. Despite his current rehabilitation efforts, the court emphasized the seriousness of his actions and the need for appropriate punishment.

Prosecutor Peter Grice detailed that the assault occurred when Lilburn and the young boy were alone at the end of the workday. The court heard that the boy initially resisted Lilburn’s advances, but Lilburn forcibly pushed him to the floor and committed the sexual assault. The boy did not report the incident immediately; however, the crime was brought to light a month later when Lilburn was observed grabbing a teenager’s penis through his clothing while they were drinking together in a bar.

Defense lawyer Sabhia Pathan acknowledged that Lilburn’s lifestyle was heavily influenced by alcohol and drug use, which contributed to his behavior. She stated that Lilburn recognized the gravity of his actions and that he had the support of his family and friends. The judge, Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC, noted that although Lilburn did not use physical force on the boy, there was a clear element of coercion involved. The law, the judge explained, is designed to protect minors from such manipulative conduct.

Judge Pearce-Higgins also highlighted Lilburn’s troubled lifestyle, characterized by substance abuse, which he described as disordered and in need of correction. The court ordered Lilburn to register as a sex offender and imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts him from having contact with any male under the age of 16. The sentence and restrictions aim to safeguard the community and prevent any future harm from Lilburn’s actions.