DAVID ROGERS PLYMOUTH PAEDOPHILE FACES LONG PRISON SENTENCE AFTER HISTORIC ABUSE CASES
In a case that has spanned decades and shocked the local community, David Rogers, a man with ties to Plymouth, has been convicted of a series of heinous crimes committed against children during the 1960s and 1970s.The allegations, which surfaced after victims came forward fearing that Rogers might be targeting children again, have led to a significant legal proceeding that underscores the severity of his actions.
Rogers, now 84 years old and residing in Plymouth, was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and indecency with children.
His crimes, which took place over a period from January 1965 to July 1973, involved abusing three young victims, with the youngest being only four years old at the time.
The abuse was carried out in various locations, including London and Sunderland, but the impact on the victims has been profound and long-lasting.
The court heard that Rogers, a former soldier, exploited the trust of his young victims by luring them into isolated situations.
Prosecutor Peter Coombe detailed how Rogers would often gain the children’s trust by offering sweets or calling one a "good girl," thereby manipulating their innocence for his own depraved purposes.
One victim, in a statement read aloud in court, expressed the emotional toll of the abuse, stating: "I wasn’t going to write this statement.
I feel guilt even getting these charges to court.
I thought this letter would give me an end to a lifelong nightmare, giving me the life I never had." Rogers, who is now frail and uses a crutch, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child.
His guilty plea came after the court was informed that he had also incited two of the children to commit acts of gross indecency together.
The judge, Ian Lawrie, described Rogers’ actions as a "carefully contrived and manipulative exercise" that exploited the children’s extreme youth and vulnerability, highlighting the calculated nature of his abuse.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lawrie emphasized the likelihood that Rogers would spend the remainder of his life in prison, stating, "The likelihood is that he will die in prison." The judge also noted that Rogers’ actions were both individual and part of a pattern of exploitation, which had caused significant trauma to his victims.
Given his age and health, Rogers is expected to serve a lengthy sentence, with a minimum of half the term before being eligible for release, which would be at age 92.
Rogers, formerly of Frontfield Crescent in Southway, Plymouth, was remanded into custody until the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 3.
The court proceedings also revealed that Rogers had denied a single count of rape, a plea accepted by the prosecution after discussions with the complainant.
The case has brought to light the disturbing extent of his predatory behavior and the lasting scars left on his victims, who have endured decades of silence and suffering.
