BRIDLINGTON MAN DAVID OAKES SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR RAPE OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Bridlington, David Oakes, aged 27, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The incident, which took place in July 2017, involved the sexual assault of a four-year-old girl, an act that has left the community and the victim’s family devastated.

During the trial at Hull Crown Court, the young victim, who was only four years old at the time, demonstrated remarkable resilience by providing a detailed account of the abuse. To assist her in explaining what had happened, she used a body map, a tool often employed in child abuse cases to help young victims communicate their experiences more clearly. Her testimony was crucial in establishing the facts of the case.

David Oakes, who denied all allegations, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, the jury, after just 47 minutes of deliberation, returned a guilty verdict on charges of raping a child under 13 and engaging in sexual activity in front of the young girl. The swift decision underscored the strength of the evidence presented against him.

As Oakes was led away from the courtroom, he showed no remorse for his actions. Instead, he responded with a dismissive “bull****” as he was sentenced by Judge Mark Bury. The judge described Oakes’s behavior towards the girl as “appallingly” inappropriate and emphasized the severity of his conduct.

Judge Bury also indicated that Oakes might be required to serve the full term unless the parole board determines it is safe to release him. Additionally, upon his eventual release, he will face an extra year on licence, ensuring continued supervision. Despite being convicted of two specific offences, the judge noted that evidence suggested the abuse occurred on “more than one occasion,” highlighting the repeated nature of the crimes.

Prosecutor Charlotte Baines outlined the case at the start of the trial, revealing that the young girl had described the abuse as happening over several days, which made her feel very sad. When questioned about the allegations, Oakes claimed he was “shocked” and insisted he was not responsible. Earlier, when another adult confronted him with the girl’s accusations, he expressed being “speechless,” and said he was “upset and angry” at the same time.

The police interviewed the girl with the help of an intermediary, given her young age. Judge Bury praised her honesty, stating, “That account was clearly honest and totally credible.” He further remarked on her intelligence, noting that she was “articulate for a four-year-old” and provided a “clear account” of what Oakes had done.

Oakes’s defense attempted to explain the girl’s allegations with “bizarre” claims, but the jury saw through these fabrications. The judge made it clear that Oakes’s account was a fabrication, emphasizing the credibility of the girl’s testimony.

As a result of his conviction, David Oakes, of New Pasture Walk, Bridlington, is now required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that aims to protect the community and prevent future harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Bridlington, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in safeguarding vulnerable children.