DEVON MAN, 81, ADMITS TO DECADES-LONG CAMPAIGN OF SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

An 81-year-old man from Devon has admitted to serious sexual offenses against children, including two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault. The offenses were carried out over several decades, with the court describing it as "a campaign of rape". David Newbury, of Clawton, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and three indecent assaults involving one girl, as well as two indecent assault charges related to a second girl. The court heard that he had inflicted acts of "enormous depravity" with many aggravating features.

During the sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge William Hart sentenced Newbury to 14 years and six months in prison, emphasizing that he would serve at least two-thirds of the sentence and that he must notify his whereabouts to police indefinitely. The judge also indicated he could be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

A victim impact statement from one of his victims described the trauma inflicted: “I see him as the Devil. I have been to hell because of him.” Investigating officer Ellen Rye stated that both victims suffered for decades and described Newbury as a "dangerous and manipulative sexual offender". The victims showed resilience and bravery throughout the police investigation.

Prosecutor Mark Worsley recounted that Newbury began touching the first girl intimately and then forced himself on her multiple times, which significantly impacted her mental health, leading to trust issues, shame, and guilt. The second girl also suffered from repeated abuse and similar emotional struggles. The court acknowledged Newbury's guilty plea, his state of remorse, and the fact that he was bereaved of his wife and suffering from health issues. His defense argued that he was sorry and did not fully understand the damage caused at the time.

Finally, the judge ordered Newbury to serve the sentence in accordance with the law, and he was instructed to keep his whereabouts known to authorities. The case highlights the importance of victims coming forward, even decades after the abuse occurred, to ensure such offenders are brought to justice.