HULL PAEDOPHILE DAVID PROFFITT SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN TEESSIDE
In a case that has shocked the local community, David Proffitt, a 40-year-old man from Hull, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing a young girl.The offences took place several years ago when Proffitt was living in Hartlepool, and the case was heard at Teesside Crown Court.
Proffitt’s actions were characterized by a disturbing level of callousness and complete disregard for the feelings and well-being of the victim.
The court heard that he repeatedly asked the girl, who was underage at the time, to engage in sexual activities with him.
He also solicited explicit images from her, further exploiting her vulnerability.
The court was told that Proffitt’s conduct was premeditated, involving grooming behaviors designed to manipulate and control the young girl for his own sexual gratification.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the calculated nature of Proffitt’s crimes.
The judge stated, “You planned these offences against this young girl.
You did it out of sexual lust for her.
She was, I’m quite satisfied, at the time naive and younger than her age.
You planned this.
You groomed her and you had your way with her.
You had sex with her on a number of occasions.
You took advantage of her naivety and vulnerability.
There was planning.
There was grooming.” The judge also highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, notably Proffitt’s blatant indifference to the victim’s feelings.
Both the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Proffitt himself gave evidence during the trial last month.
During his testimony, Proffitt claimed he had no feelings towards the girl, asserting, “I have no feelings towards her whatsoever.” However, the jury convicted him on multiple charges, including four counts of sexual activity with a child, one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one of producing indecent photographs of a child.
Despite the verdict, Proffitt continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The judge condemned his attitude, stating, “You have no feelings towards her whatsoever.
You have no feelings towards what you have done.
You were completely indifferent to her.
Your only thought and motivation was for yourself.” The court also noted that Proffitt lied to a probation officer about his interest in sexual activity involving children and pointed out the disturbing evidence of images he caused the girl to send him.
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby described the case as “clearly grooming behavior,” emphasizing the manipulative nature of Proffitt’s actions.
The victim, who expressed her hatred for Proffitt and regret over the ordeal, described the court process as extremely stressful.
She also remarked that Proffitt could have ended the case at any point by simply admitting his guilt.
As part of his sentence, Proffitt was handed an eight-year prison term.
Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who exploit and manipulate vulnerable young people for their own sexual gratification, and it underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting victims from such predatory behavior.
