DAVID ROSE FROM NEWARK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL HE MET ONLINE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Newark, a 29-year-old man named David Rose has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 12-year-old girl he met through online communication.

The incident came to light after Rose arranged to meet the young girl, who was reported missing from the West Midlands by her mother. The girl had disappeared for a day, during which she traveled to Newark to meet Rose, raising immediate concerns about her safety and well-being.

According to court proceedings, Rose purchased vodka and took the girl back to his residence in Newark. The prosecutor, James Hett, described the events, stating, “She became drunk and had sex with him.” He emphasized that the girl believed her encounter was consensual, claiming she told Rose she was 19, was employed, and had a child when they initially communicated. However, physical assessments and police interviews painted a different picture, with authorities noting that her appearance was more consistent with a girl of approximately 14 years old.

Police officers confirmed that during police interviews, it was evident she was younger than her stated age. The girl admitted to contacting Rose via MSN Messenger for two weeks prior to their meeting, during which they arranged to meet in person. Evidence showed she had purchased child tickets for bus travel and cinema visits with Rose, indicating that he was aware she was underage at the time of their meetings.

During their encounters, the girl and Rose engaged in sexual activity at least four times. It was also revealed that Rose, who resides at Railway Court, Newark, did not use any form of contraception during these encounters. The court heard that Rose had a prior caution for gross indecency after having sex with a 15-year-old girl in public, which added to the severity of his current conviction.

Rose pleaded guilty at a preliminary hearing to the charge of raping a child under 13. His defense, represented by Martin Elwick, argued that the girl appeared to be “made up to the nines” and gave the impression that she was of legal age, drinking and smoking, and willing to have sex. Elwick emphasized that Rose was not someone who actively sought out underage girls and insisted there was no suggestion of force involved in the incident.

However, Judge Michael Stokes, QC, the Recorder of Nottingham, delivered a stern sentence, mandating that Rose register as a sex offender for life. The judge highlighted the significant age gap and the disparity in experience, judgment, and maturity between Rose and the 12-year-old girl. He remarked, “You will be 30 years of age in May. This girl was 12 and that in itself shows the wide gap not only chronologically in years but in experience, common sense, and judgment.” The case underscores the dangers of online interactions and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse.