DAVID TAWSE FROM STOKESLEY AND THIRSK JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Stokesley and Thirsk in North Yorkshire, David Tawse, a 24-year-old man with a criminal history, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in a series of serious sexual offenses involving a 14-year-old girl. The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, where the details of Tawse's actions and the subsequent legal proceedings were laid bare.

According to court reports, Tawse had initially contacted the young girl through Facebook, where he began grooming her by sending flattering comments about her photographs. Despite being aware of her age, Tawse continued to pursue a relationship with her, claiming he was lonely and eliciting her sympathy. The court was told that he met her at her home in Stokesley while her parents were away, and over time, their relationship escalated to sexual encounters. Tawse secretly filmed himself engaging in sexual activity with the girl, and despite her protests, he refused to wear a condom, expressing a desire for her to bear his child.

The court heard that Tawse had lied to his own parents about her age, claiming she was 18, but his mother remained suspicious and warned the girl to stay away from her son. The relationship continued until July of the previous year, when the girl suspected Tawse was cheating on her. Fearing exposure of the intimate footage and sexting messages, she was terrified of her family and school friends discovering the relationship.

Further investigations revealed that Tawse had taken explicit photographs of the girl without her knowledge, and he used the footage to coerce her into maintaining their relationship. The situation worsened when police became involved, as Tawse and the girl planned to run away together. In November, Tawse was arrested at Middlesbrough railway station after officers intercepted their attempt to travel north by train.

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Tawse had a prior conviction for robbery, having served a 12-month sentence, and also possessed a conviction for drug possession. His latest crimes resulted in him being sentenced to 46 months in prison after admitting to four charges of sexual activity with a child, making an indecent image of a child, and abduction related to their escape plan. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

One of the most distressing aspects of the case was the victim's statement, in which she expressed her unwavering hope to reunite with Tawse once the restraining order was lifted. The court heard that she had become pregnant as a result of their relationship but chose to have an abortion. Despite her young age and the trauma she endured, she declared her intention to wait for him, a sentiment that deeply troubled the judge.

Judge Sean Morris emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from themselves and others, stating that Tawse's persistent offending and the fact that he secretly filmed the girl without her knowledge warranted strict legal measures. A restraining order was issued, banning Tawse from contacting the girl for five years, and the judge highlighted that such cases are unfortunately common and cause significant emotional distress. The court's decision underscores the need for ongoing protection and intervention in cases involving grooming and sexual exploitation of minors in North Yorkshire.