DAVID MASON FROM CROSBY SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Crosby, David Mason, a 71-year-old man, has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. Mason, who resides in Riverside, Brighton-Le-Sands, near Crosby, had previously claimed that his actions were rooted in his commitment to “Christian values and ethics.” However, the presiding judge at Liverpool Crown Court dismissed these assertions as completely hollow, describing Mason as a man whose morals were fundamentally warped.

During the trial, Mason pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on the girl, who was between the ages of six and nine at the time of the abuse in the early 1990s. Despite admitting to these charges, Mason denied additional allegations, including indecency with a child and attempted rape. The case was particularly distressing because the victim was compelled to relive her traumatic experiences by giving detailed evidence in front of a jury, which added to her ordeal.

Throughout the proceedings, Mason attempted to diminish the severity of his actions by labeling the victim as “a fantasist” who tended to exaggerate her claims. The court heard that Mason had encouraged the young girl to participate in various inappropriate sexual acts, despite her tender age. His defense included bizarre claims that the abuse was “light-hearted” and not malicious, asserting that there was “no evil intent” or desire to cause harm. Mason also described the girl as sitting “coquettishly,” showing a lot of leg, and taking her clothes off to run around “teasing” him. He even claimed that she had “hoaxed” him into being alone with her, which he described as a form of “rough and tumble,” suggesting that she was “exploring her sexuality” with him.

Judge Andrew Hatton was unequivocal in his condemnation of Mason’s bizarre and disturbing claims. He stated, “She was an eight-year-old girl. You were suggesting that an eight-year-old girl was flirting with you.” The judge emphasized the lasting impact of Mason’s words, especially regarding the attempted rape, which had left a deep and chilling impression on the victim that persisted long after the incident.

Despite Mason’s previous good character, the court found him guilty of three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of attempted rape. He was acquitted of one additional count of indecency with a child. As a result, Mason was sentenced to a decade behind bars and will be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

DS Paul Donaghy commented on the case, saying, “His victim has shown an immense amount of bravery in coming forward and having to re-live the abuse she suffered at Mason’s hands. I hope his sentencing gives her some sense of closure and also provides wider reassurance that a dangerous and determined sex offender is now behind bars. I would like to reassure anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse that any complaint will be taken extremely seriously and investigated by specially trained officers who will offer support every step of the way.”