DAVID MASON FROM FELTHAM EMBROILED IN CONTROVERSY AFTER APPOINTMENT AT JAMIE OLIVER'S LONDON RESTAURANT

In a highly controversial development, David Mason, a 24-year-old man with a criminal past, has been selected for an apprenticeship at the renowned Fifteen restaurant in central London, owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Mason's background is marred by a serious conviction related to a sexual assault on a 12-year-old girl, which has sparked outrage among the public and former acquaintances alike.

Back in October 2014, Mason was sentenced to four years in prison following his conviction for the assault. The incident occurred after a computer game session with the young girl, during which Mason allegedly pushed her down and forcibly raped her after she rejected his advances. Initially, Mason claimed that the encounter was consensual, but he later admitted to raping a child under 13 after the victim confided in friends about the assault.

Following his release, Mason was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and was legally prohibited from being near young girls without explicit permission. Despite these restrictions, Mason was chosen from thousands of applicants to join the training program at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, a decision that has ignited widespread criticism.

Many of Mason’s former friends and residents of Feltham, Surrey, where he is from, expressed their disapproval. One remarked, “It’s disgusting that a lad who raped a 12-year-old girl can be given such an opportunity, especially when honest, hardworking young people are struggling to find work or training.” They also pointed out Mason’s boastful attitude on Facebook, where he posted a photo with Jamie Oliver and declared he was “top of the pile where I belong.”

In court, Judge Richard McGregor Johnson emphasized the gravity of Mason’s crime, stating, “The law exists to protect young and vulnerable children, and she was both of those things, as you well knew. You knew very well that having sex with such a young girl was wrong.”

Despite the controversy, a spokesperson for Jamie Oliver defended the decision to allow Mason into the program. They stated, “He was completely honest about his past when he applied for the course, and we decided that, as he’d served his sentence, he should be given a chance. So far, he has been an excellent student.”

When approached for comment last week, Mason declined to speak, simply stating, “I do not want to discuss it.” His association with Jamie Oliver’s restaurant continues to draw criticism and debate over the appropriateness of giving individuals with such backgrounds opportunities in the hospitality industry.