DAVID SAMPSON FROM HARLOW ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ESSEX AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Essex and Cambridgeshire, David Sampson, a 49-year-old part-time DJ residing in The Readings, Harlow, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor but was ultimately spared from imprisonment. The incident involved Sampson checking into hotels with a 15-year-old girl, an act that led to serious legal proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court.

On Friday, July 1, the presiding judge, Rodger Hayward-Smith, delivered his verdict, emphasizing the unusual leniency of the sentence. Instead of jail time, Sampson was sentenced to a three-year community order and was mandated to participate in a sex offenders' rehabilitation program. The judge remarked, “This is exceptional and very lenient but this girl appears to have been very manipulative and even today sent a message saying she hopes you don’t go to prison.”

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the girl had initially reported the matter to police, claiming she had been involved in a relationship with Sampson. However, she later withdrew her cooperation, choosing not to participate further in the police investigation. Despite her withdrawal, evidence emerged through Facebook messages and text communications, which indicated ongoing contact between her and Sampson. Additionally, she had even attempted to secure him as a DJ through an agency, suggesting a continued interest in maintaining contact.

The prosecution, led by Richard Scott, detailed that Sampson had taken the girl to a hotel in Suffolk on two occasions and once to a Travelodge in Cambridgeshire. It was established that Sampson checked into these hotels as an adult, accompanied by the minor, in an apparent effort to avoid suspicion. The court heard that after the first hotel visit, the girl used coercive tactics, threatening to report him to the police to maintain the relationship. Sampson reportedly sent her messages professing love and claiming he intended to buy a flat, statements that were later proven false. The court clarified that Sampson did not love the girl and had no real plans to purchase property, and he admitted that he had attempted to have sexual intercourse with her, although it was unsuccessful.

Further details revealed that the girl initially told police she was in a relationship with a 48-year-old man, but she later refused to be interviewed by officers. Meanwhile, Sampson made full admissions when questioned, acknowledging his involvement in the offences. His legal representative, Nicola May, explained that the offences occurred during a period when Sampson was particularly vulnerable, following the departure of his wife. The judge noted that Sampson’s decision to admit guilt was a significant factor in the leniency of the sentence, implying that without his honesty, the outcome might have been different.