DAVID THOMAS FROM BASSINGBOURN AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST BOYS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Bassingbourn and Tunbridge Wells, a soldier named David Thomas has been sentenced to prison after admitting to a series of serious sexual offenses involving underage boys. The crimes, which took place between 2002 and 2004, involved multiple victims, some as young as 12 years old, and have left a lasting impact on those affected.

David Thomas, aged 27 at the time of sentencing, was stationed at Bassingbourn Barracks when his offending behavior came to light. The court heard that Thomas engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with three male minors, including an Army recruit, during the period of his misconduct. Prosecutors detailed how Thomas believed his victims derived pleasure from his actions, even as one of the boys began to self-harm as a result of the abuse. The gravity of the case was underscored by the emotional and psychological toll inflicted on the victims.

The investigation was triggered in 2004 when an 18-year-old former Army recruit came forward to police. The young man revealed that Thomas had performed a lewd sexual act on him and had touched him inappropriately while at the barracks. Further evidence was uncovered when authorities found a mobile phone at Thomas's residence containing the names of two other victims. This discovery led to a deeper investigation into Thomas's activities.

One of the victims, a 15-year-old boy, disclosed that he had known Thomas since he was 10 years old. The abuse occurred when Thomas drove him into the Kent countryside, where he subjected the boy to sexual acts. The second victim, now 16, was a friend of Thomas's family. During a car journey, Thomas allegedly told the boy that recruits needed to be brave in the Army and then coerced him into exposing himself, suggesting that he needed to demonstrate his courage.

During the court proceedings, defense counsel John Farmer QC highlighted that Thomas had served his country for seven years, although he has since been dismissed from the military. He also emphasized that Thomas had never been violent towards his victims. Despite these points, the court found the evidence of his misconduct compelling.

Thomas pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of indecency with a child, sexual activity with a child, three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Judge Hawkesworth sentenced him to three and a half years in prison. Additionally, Thomas will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and is prohibited from working with children under the age of 16, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.