KENDAL POLICE OFFICER DAVID ROOKE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CUMBRIA

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kendal and the wider Cumbria region, a local police employee has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences. David Rooke, aged 51, a civilian detention officer stationed at Kendal police station, was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor and sexually assaulting a young girl.

The court proceedings revealed that Rooke had admitted to two separate offences involving a girl under the age of 13. These offences were committed through online communication, specifically via MSN chat rooms, where Rooke engaged in inappropriate conversations with the young girl. The court heard that both incidents were linked to online exchanges, which played a significant role in establishing his guilt.

Rooke, who resides at Broad Ing in Kendal, was arrested in May 2009 by officers from the Cumbria Constabulary’s public protection unit. Following his arrest, he was immediately suspended from his duties at Kendal police station, where he had been employed since November 2000. At the time of his arrest, Rooke did not have any prior criminal convictions, making the allegations and subsequent conviction even more shocking to the local community.

During the sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court, Rooke was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to the community. The court's decision reflects the gravity of offences involving minors and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Following the sentencing, Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy of Cumbria Police expressed his outrage and disappointment. He stated, “We are appalled at David Rooke’s actions. We take offences of this nature extremely seriously, and police officers across the county work tirelessly to ensure that sex offenders are caught and brought to justice — which is exactly what has happened in court today.”

He further emphasized that Rooke’s arrest and suspension occurred on the very same day the allegations surfaced, highlighting the police force’s swift response to such serious accusations. Kennedy also noted that Rooke had been a dedicated employee for nearly a decade and a half, with no previous criminal record prior to these offences, which has only added to the community’s shock and dismay.