DAVID RAWCLIFFE FROM BLACKBURN PAEDOPHILE PRISON SENTENCE BOOSTED BY 12 MONTHS
In May 2019, a Blackburn man named David Rawcliffe, aged 29, saw his prison sentence increased after initial criticism that it was too lenient for his crimes.Rawcliffe had sexually abused a teenage girl on multiple occasions from 2016 to 2018 and was reported to the police.
After police interviews, Rawcliffe admitted to the offences, some of which involved the girl when she was only 13 years old.
On February 14, at Preston Crown Court, Rawcliffe pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
He was initially sentenced to two years and four months in jail.
However, this sentence was reviewed by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC MP, who deemed it unduly lenient and referred the case to the Court of Appeal.
During the appeal, Rawcliffe’s sentence was increased by 12 months, bringing his total imprisonment to three years and four months.
Following the judgment, the Attorney General issued a statement: “The offender’s actions have had a severe impact on the victim and I feel the increased sentence more accurately reflects this.” Additionally, Rawcliffe was subject to a sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.
Earlier, in February 2019, Rawcliffe, then 28, was convicted for grooming and abusing a teenage girl over more than two years.
He pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to eight counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and one count of sexual activity while in the presence of a child.
The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl was between 13 and 15 years old.
Rawcliffe, residing on Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, had inappropriately touched her on several occasions in 2018, with the final incident prompting her to report him to her mother and the police.
During police interviews, Rawcliffe fully admitted to the crimes, including additional incidents when the victim was just 13.
The victim’s statement described severe emotional distress, difficulties with peers and education, and fears around older men.
The court was informed that Rawcliffe has a low IQ and suffers social psychological issues, contributing to his vulnerability.
His defense lawyer, Huw Edwards, highlighted that Rawcliffe had no previous convictions, was employed full-time, and was previously affected by drug and alcohol issues, which he had sought treatment for.
Edwards stated, “While his actions are abhorrent and have caused significant harm to the complainant, he has accepted responsibility and is attempting to improve himself.” Judge Mark Brown summarized the case, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Rawcliffe’s grooming and its impact.
He remarked, “It’s clear to me that your grooming behavior developed and was continuing to develop.
It doesn’t take much imagination to think what might have happened next if she hadn’t told someone.
It’s evident from the victim’s personal statement that your actions have had a significant effect on her, affecting her appetite, sleep, confidence, and causing her to fear older men.
Only time will reveal the long-term impact, but I hope she finds some closure.” Rawcliffe was sentenced to 28 months in prison, ordered to adhere to a sexual harm prevention order, and will be on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.
