DAVID MORGAN FROM IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AT CALIFORNIA SOCIAL CLUB

 |  Red Rose Database

Ipswich Child Sexual Abuser
In June 2007, a disturbing case involving a 60-year-old man from Ipswich, David Morgan, culminated in his being sentenced to eight years in prison for serious sexual offences against a young girl. Morgan, who was once a member of the committee at the California Social Club in Ipswich, was found guilty of grooming and abusing a girl who was only 11 years old at the time of their initial contact.

According to court proceedings, Morgan befriended the young girl during a period spanning approximately four years. Prosecutor Samantha Leigh detailed how Morgan showered her with gifts, gradually building an emotional bond by telling her that she was uniquely loved by him and that no one else cared for her as much as he did. This manipulation was part of a calculated effort to isolate her from her family and gain her trust.

The abuse began with Morgan kissing the girl, which then escalated to inappropriate touching and ultimately led to sexual intercourse when she was just 12 years old. Morgan, of Pearce Road in Ipswich, admitted to two counts of having sex with a girl under the age of 13 and four counts of indecent assault. His actions shocked the court and the community alike.

Judge John Holt, presiding over the case, described Morgan’s conduct as “persistent and planned,” emphasizing that the offending occurred over a prolonged period, which he considered an aggravating factor. The judge sentenced Morgan to eight years in prison and imposed a three-year extended licence period upon his release, during which Morgan will be required to undergo a sex offender’s rehabilitation program.

Furthermore, Morgan was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The court heard that Morgan’s manipulation extended to encouraging the girl to lie about her age and even taking her to a family planning clinic so she could obtain the pill. He also told her that if he were to get into trouble, it would jeopardize his marriage and his relationship with his son.

During the trial, Miss Leigh recounted how Morgan had invited the girl to dance at a disco, during which he inappropriately touched her. She described how he gradually alienated her from her family, buying her increasingly expensive gifts and encouraging her to ask him for money instead of her parents. The girl later confided that she was confused about what was happening and felt compelled to stay silent because she did not want Morgan’s son to grow up without a father.

The offences only came to light after Morgan left the California Social Club, and a love letter from the girl to Morgan was discovered among his belongings. Morgan’s defense lawyer, Adam Budworth, stated that his client had no previous convictions and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Mr. Budworth expressed Morgan’s remorse and apologized to the girl, emphasizing that there was no evidence suggesting he had sexually abused anyone else.

In mitigation, references from Morgan’s family and friends highlighted that he was not entirely defined by his crimes and had contributed positively in other aspects of his life. Nonetheless, the court’s verdict reflected the gravity of his actions and the need to protect vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.
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