DAVID RECORD EXPOSED IN SOUTH OCKENDON: SCHOOL GROUNDSMAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CHELMSFORD
| Red Rose Database
South Ockendon Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2011, a disturbing case unfolded involving David Record, a groundsman employed at the prestigious New Hall School in Boreham, who was subsequently convicted of a series of heinous sex offences against children. The incident not only shocked the local community but also highlighted the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures within educational institutions.
Records show that Record, aged 54 and residing on Cruick Avenue in South Ockendon, was employed at New Hall School from March 2010 until July 2011. During his tenure, students and staff noticed a troubling pattern of missing items, including gym clothes and school uniforms. The school's security team, attentive to these issues, eventually identified Record as the individual responsible for thefts from the boarding students. Their suspicions led to a police investigation, which uncovered far more disturbing evidence.
Following the theft reports, law enforcement officers executed a search of Record’s residence. The police raid revealed indecent images of children, linking him to a series of sexual offences spanning nearly a decade, from 1990 to 1999. The police investigation uncovered a disturbing history, which had remained hidden until that point. The authorities confirmed that Record’s criminal record was previously clean, making his arrest and subsequent charges all the more shocking.
At Chelmsford Crown Court, Record appeared on a Friday to face the charges after pleading guilty to 27 separate offences. Among these were two counts of attempted rape, three counts of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency with a child, and five counts of taking indecent images of children. He also admitted to making and possessing indecent images, as well as committing voyeurism. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing a Taser, burglary, and nine counts of theft. The court heard that the majority of his victims were known to him, which added a layer of betrayal to the case.
Senior Detective Inspector Tracey Harman emphasized the importance of the school's role in uncovering Record’s crimes. She stated, “Without the vigilance of the school, Mr. Record may still have been in the community.” Harman also noted that until his arrest, Record’s criminal record check had shown no prior convictions, underscoring how his offending had gone undetected for over 20 years. She described him as a manipulative individual whose offending was only brought to light through the police investigation.
As a result of his conviction, Record has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The investigation revealed that many of his victims were individuals he knew personally, which compounded the betrayal felt by the community. The case drew reactions from concerned parents, including one mother who wished to remain anonymous. She told the Chronicle, “All the parents got an e-mail saying somebody working at the school had been arrested and was going to court. We didn’t get any more details but a lot of people were saying it was to do with child pornography and child abuse.”
She expressed initial shock and disgust, questioning how someone could reach the age of 54 without prior convictions. However, she also praised the school’s response, saying, “I am very proud of the school because had they not found him out, the police would never have caught this man for the sex offences. All the students were complaining of things going missing and the security team caught him. Instead of confronting him, the school went to the police. How did that man get to 54 years old without ever being convicted? This has all come about because the school was so vigilant.”
Records show that Record, aged 54 and residing on Cruick Avenue in South Ockendon, was employed at New Hall School from March 2010 until July 2011. During his tenure, students and staff noticed a troubling pattern of missing items, including gym clothes and school uniforms. The school's security team, attentive to these issues, eventually identified Record as the individual responsible for thefts from the boarding students. Their suspicions led to a police investigation, which uncovered far more disturbing evidence.
Following the theft reports, law enforcement officers executed a search of Record’s residence. The police raid revealed indecent images of children, linking him to a series of sexual offences spanning nearly a decade, from 1990 to 1999. The police investigation uncovered a disturbing history, which had remained hidden until that point. The authorities confirmed that Record’s criminal record was previously clean, making his arrest and subsequent charges all the more shocking.
At Chelmsford Crown Court, Record appeared on a Friday to face the charges after pleading guilty to 27 separate offences. Among these were two counts of attempted rape, three counts of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency with a child, and five counts of taking indecent images of children. He also admitted to making and possessing indecent images, as well as committing voyeurism. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing a Taser, burglary, and nine counts of theft. The court heard that the majority of his victims were known to him, which added a layer of betrayal to the case.
Senior Detective Inspector Tracey Harman emphasized the importance of the school's role in uncovering Record’s crimes. She stated, “Without the vigilance of the school, Mr. Record may still have been in the community.” Harman also noted that until his arrest, Record’s criminal record check had shown no prior convictions, underscoring how his offending had gone undetected for over 20 years. She described him as a manipulative individual whose offending was only brought to light through the police investigation.
As a result of his conviction, Record has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The investigation revealed that many of his victims were individuals he knew personally, which compounded the betrayal felt by the community. The case drew reactions from concerned parents, including one mother who wished to remain anonymous. She told the Chronicle, “All the parents got an e-mail saying somebody working at the school had been arrested and was going to court. We didn’t get any more details but a lot of people were saying it was to do with child pornography and child abuse.”
She expressed initial shock and disgust, questioning how someone could reach the age of 54 without prior convictions. However, she also praised the school’s response, saying, “I am very proud of the school because had they not found him out, the police would never have caught this man for the sex offences. All the students were complaining of things going missing and the security team caught him. Instead of confronting him, the school went to the police. How did that man get to 54 years old without ever being convicted? This has all come about because the school was so vigilant.”