GUILTY OF GUILT: DAVID PECKETT FROM GUISBOROUGH CAUGHT IN SHOCKING SEXUAL ADVANCES ON 11-YEAR-OLD

In November 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving David Peckett, a 71-year-old man from Guisborough, east Cleveland, who was caught engaging in inappropriate and sexualized behavior towards a young girl. The incident came to light after an 11-year-old girl, acting as an amateur detective, secretly recorded Peckett’s unsettling advances, which included explicit questions and suggestive comments.

According to court proceedings, Peckett approached the young girl and asked her if she liked sex and whether she understood the meaning of certain sexual words. The girl, confused and puzzled by his questions, decided to take matters into her own hands by using a recording device, as her family had suggested she might have misunderstood what Peckett was saying. The recordings revealed Peckett saying things like, “You’re gorgeous. When am I going to get my kiss? You’re lovely. I fancy you. Don’t you fancy me?”

Further details from the court indicated that Peckett attempted to isolate the girl from her friends, urging her to go on a “treasure hunt” in his car, a move that raised suspicion. When one of her friends asked if she could join them, Peckett claimed there was no room, despite driving a large people-carrier. The court heard that his behavior was not only inappropriate but also manipulative.

Members of Peckett’s family, including his wife and daughter, were present in the public gallery of Teesside Crown Court and reacted with shock as details of his misconduct were revealed. His legal representative, Paul Cleasby, stated that while they stood by Peckett, they had not forgiven him for his actions in May of that year. The court was informed that Peckett’s health issues and his previously good character influenced the court’s decision.

Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Peckett to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years. The judge acknowledged Peckett’s apparent shame and his family’s disappointment, emphasizing that rehabilitation and remorse might take time. He remarked, “It is perfectly clear that you are ashamed of what you have done, and your family is. They are yet to forgive you for your behaviour, and it may be something you have to work at over the following months.”

The court also heard that Peckett initially appeared friendly towards the girls but soon made inappropriate sexual comments. The retired miner asked one girl if she liked sex, which she initially thought was about insects, highlighting her innocence. He also invited two of the girls to his home in Hawlbeck Bungalows to have their photographs taken, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Aisha Wadoodi told Judge Crowson that after his arrest, Peckett claimed he was not attracted to children. However, when confronted with the recording, he admitted to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His behavior was described as “absolutely disgraceful,” and his family expressed their disappointment, with his wife noting that such conduct was entirely out of character for him. Despite her disapproval, she stood by him, recognizing that this incident was an aberration from his usual demeanor.