November 2020 Paedophile sentenced for multiple abuse A woman has emotionally described the devastating effect “systemic sexual abuse” had on her life as her attacker was jailed. The victim only summoned the courage to report the abuse carried out by depraved David Playle, 68, after she saw him on his mobility scooter with another child on his lap. Playle, of Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill in Camborne, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence after pleading guilty to three indecent assault charges and gross indecency with a child, offences that took place many years ago. Prosecuting the case, Kelly Scrivener described how Playle took a sexual interest in the victim and photographed her in her clothes which made her feel uncomfortable. He progressed to touching her chest and vagina, before digitally penetrating her. He also forced the terrified youngster to touch his penis leaving her feeling ashamed and confused. Reading her victim impact statement in court, the brave victim said: “I suffer from a lack of self-confidence and believe I’m rubbish and incompetent. “I constantly feel judged by others and my only relief growing up was to sniff solvents hoping I suffocated on the plastic bag. “Seeing my own daughter at the age you assaulted me is very painful and I continue to suffer with mental health difficulties and take medication. I continue to suffer flashbacks of what you did to me. “Seeing you with a small child on your lap was something I couldn’t have on my conscience.” Sentencing Playle, Judge Simon Carr described “systemic sexual abuse” and “a truly devastating victim personal statement”. He added: “It was only when she saw you in the street that she decided she couldn’t stay silent anymore.” Playle was jailed for nine years.