REIGATE PAEDOPHILE DAVID SPANGLE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN BRIGHTON AND LEWES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Reigate, Brighton, and Lewes, a man named David Spangle has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual abuse of a four-year-old girl. The heinous acts took place at Spangle's residence on the outskirts of Reigate, where he repeatedly assaulted the young girl, instructing her not to disclose what was happening to her parents during the assaults.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, endured the abuse in silence for many years. It was only when she reached the age of 15 that she confided in authorities, leading to Spangle's arrest. During the investigation, Spangle shockingly attempted to shift blame onto the girl, claiming that she had indecently assaulted him, a claim that was met with widespread condemnation.

The teenager, now a young woman, was present at Lewes Crown Court to witness the sentencing of Spangle, who was found guilty of six counts of sexual assault committed when the girl was between four and six years old. Her parents, residents of Brighton, were visibly distressed as they listened to a harrowing statement from their daughter, describing how the trauma of the abuse continued to haunt her well into her adolescence.

In her statement, she revealed that during the assaults, she would close her eyes tightly and try to think of anything else to distract herself from the horror. She recounted how she would plan trivial details, such as which outfit to dress her Barbie doll in once the abuse was over, as a way to cope with the situation. As she grew older, the emotional scars deepened, leading her to substance abuse, including heroin and cocaine, and multiple suicide attempts. She expressed her pain openly, stating, “It is fair to say he has ruined parts of my life.”

Judge Simon Coltart described Spangle’s actions as “despicable and disgusting,” emphasizing the severity of the crimes. Spangle, who is 45 years old and changed his surname from Spalding, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently prohibited from working with children. The court's verdict underscores the gravity of his offenses and the lasting impact on his young victim, highlighting the importance of justice in cases of child abuse.