DAVID PETERS PLYMOUTH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE AT PLYMOUTH AND EXETER CROWN COURTS
In a harrowing case that spanned over a decade, David Peters, a resident of Plymouth, was convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young girl.The court heard how Peters, aged 62 and living on Austin Avenue in North Prospect, subjected his victim to repeated abuse from the time she was approximately six years old.
The abuse took place across various locations, including the now-demolished open-air swimming pool in Central Park, Plymouth, and other undisclosed sites in the city.
During the trial at Plymouth Crown Court, the victim bravely recounted the long history of her suffering.
She detailed how Peters had begun abusing her when she was just a child, with incidents continuing over many years.
Her testimony revealed that Peters would often touch her inappropriately, including touching her under her costume while they were at the swimming pool, and in some cases, forcing her to touch him.
The victim described how these assaults left her emotionally scarred, robbing her of a normal childhood and leaving her with persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
She tearfully explained how the abuse affected her life well into adulthood, stating, “I came to hate the sheer sight of him.
It has continued to affect me in later life.
I just wanted a normal life.
I have always felt on edge, anxious and sick when all I craved was normality.” She also expressed feelings of guilt and shame, revealing that she had struggled with relationships and found it difficult to plan for her future.
Her statement highlighted the profound impact of Peters’ actions, emphasizing her long-standing emotional and psychological trauma.
Judge Mrs Justice May, presiding over the case at Exeter Crown Court, sentenced Peters to eight years in prison.
She also ordered that he remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The judge condemned Peters’ conduct as casual violence and repeated abuse, describing it as cruel and humiliating.
She acknowledged the victim’s courage in coming forward and her suffering, noting that her testimony revealed how Peters’ abuse had diminished her emotionally and left her with a deep sense of guilt and shame.
During the trial, the court heard that Peters had denied the allegations but was found guilty of four counts of gross indecency and eight counts of indecent assault.
The prosecution’s case was supported by detailed evidence, including a police interview video where the victim, now an adult, broke down as she recounted her experiences.
The victim had initially confided in her long-term boyfriend nearly 20 years ago, but he did not believe her at the time.
It was only after she approached the police in October 2015 that her allegations were formally investigated.
The court also heard that Peters’ former partner, who was called as a witness, confirmed that Peters had problems reading and writing and that he had read a letter from the victim outlining the abuse.
The letter, which Peters admitted to reading, described the assaults in detail.
Peters claimed he was unaware of the letter and denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the allegations were false.
However, the jury found the evidence compelling, and the verdict was unanimous.
As the guilty verdicts were announced, the victim’s supporters in the courtroom cheered, and she was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears.
Peters’ supporters remained silent.
The case has brought to light the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
Peters is scheduled to be sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, November 1, where the court will determine the length of his imprisonment and any additional penalties.
