DAVID TATTUM FROM MALVERN AND TEWKESBURY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN WORCESTER

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Malvern, Tewkesbury, and Worcester, David Tattum, a 55-year-old former university lecturer, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 and a half years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls.

The court proceedings revealed that Tattum, who previously resided in Barnards Green near Malvern and later on Church Street, admitted to eight charges, including rape, indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. One of the offenses was committed at Worcester Swimming Pool located in Sansome Walk, a detail that underscored the disturbing nature of his crimes.

Initially, Tattum had denied all allegations and was granted bail to await his trial scheduled for October. However, on the eve of his court appearance, he attempted to evade justice by slashing his wrists and attempting to gas himself inside a vehicle. These actions were seen as a clear indication of his attempt to escape the consequences of his actions.

During the trial, it was established that Tattum had twice raped a schoolgirl aged between 11 and 12, with these assaults occurring between April 2004 and May 2005. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and engaging in sexual activity with another girl, with these offenses spanning from 2001 to 2005. The court also heard that Tattum admitted to further indecency offenses involving both victims.

Charges related to a third girl were dropped, but the court emphasized the gravity of his crimes against the two victims for whom he was convicted. Judge John Cavell described Tattum’s actions as having “corrupted” the young girls and noted that his late guilty plea was an aggravating factor that worsened his culpability.

Following the conviction, Judge Cavell ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared before imposing the sentence. Tattum was subsequently sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison. As part of his punishment, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was subjected to an indeterminate sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), which aims to restrict his activities and protect the community from further harm.