DAVID PRICE FROM ROMFORD DETAINED IN HOSPITAL AFTER HORRIFIC SEX ATTACK ON FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ROMFORD

In October 2010, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Romford who was detained in a hospital following a heinous sexual assault on a young girl. The incident took place in Harold Hill, Romford, and has since garnered significant attention due to the severity of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings.

According to court reports, David Price, who was 24 years old at the time and a resident of Knightsbridge Road in Romford, was responsible for the assault on a four-year-old girl. The attack was so severe that medical professionals had to be called in to provide urgent treatment, including surgery, to address the injuries inflicted during the assault. The judge presiding over the case, Judge John Lodge at Basildon Crown Court, ordered that Price be detained in a hospital setting rather than a traditional prison, citing concerns over his mental health.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Price suffers from a diagnosed mental disorder. The court was informed that he admitted to the assault, which involved penetration, and a further charge of rape was kept on file. Initially, Price had claimed that another man, who also had learning difficulties, was responsible for the attack. However, evidence and his own admissions later contradicted this claim.

Following his sentencing on Thursday, October 21, the victim’s family expressed their outrage and frustration. One family member voiced their discontent, stating, “He should be in a prison. There’s no justice there. I get more going through a red light.” The family’s anger underscored the emotional toll and the perceived inadequacy of the sentence handed down.

Judge Lodge, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the gravity of the crime, noting that the assault involved penetration that caused significant injuries, necessitating surgical intervention. The judge stated, “This was penetration of a young child causing such injuries surgery was deemed appropriate and the starting point is a custodial sentence.”

However, the judge also considered psychiatric evidence, which led to a different conclusion. He expressed his belief that Price was suffering from a mental disorder characterized by learning difficulties, coupled with aggressive and irresponsible behavior. As a result, Judge Lodge ordered that Price be detained under a Hospital Order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, along with a restriction order under Section 41, both of which would remain in effect until further notice.

Additionally, the court mandated that Price be registered as a sex offender indefinitely. Although a sexual offences prevention order was deemed premature at this stage, the possibility of reviewing this order once Price was released was acknowledged.

Prosecutor Diana Pigot provided details of the incident, stating that the assault occurred on August 31 of the previous year. She explained that initially, the young girl was in too much pain to be examined, but after undergoing general anesthesia at the hospital, doctors discovered a tear in her vaginal wall that required stitches. When Price was arrested and questioned, he initially denied any wrongdoing and falsely accused a friend of the crime. However, subsequent investigations, including DNA testing, failed to link the friend to the assault, and Price eventually admitted to the offense.

During his interview, Price expressed remorse, claiming to be “very remorseful” and blaming “voices in my head” for his actions. He also disclosed that he suffered from dyslexia and mental health issues, which he said contributed to his behavior.

Dr. Evan Yacoub, a consultant psychiatrist, testified that Price’s treatment plan involved a combination of medication, psychological therapy, and social support aimed at addressing his mental health and behavioral issues. In mitigation, Yasin Patel urged the court to follow the psychiatrists’ recommendations, which included treatment at the John Howard Centre in Hackney, emphasizing the importance of ongoing mental health support for Price.