WHITEHAVEN MAN DAVID TOWNSLEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has shocked the community of Whitehaven and the wider Cumbria region, David John Townsley, aged 42, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The court proceedings, held at Carlisle Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over two years, beginning when the victim was just 12 years old.

Despite his vehement denial of the charges, Townsley faced a jury that convicted him on five counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. He was acquitted of one additional charge of rape, but the remaining convictions were enough to secure a lengthy prison sentence. The court heard that the sexual relationship between Townsley and the girl persisted until he realized she was approaching an age where she might disclose the abuse to others.

During the sentencing, Recorder Simon Medland QC described the offenses as “truly appalling,” emphasizing the profound and lasting impact they had on the victim. The judge highlighted the severity of the crimes and their enduring effect on her mental and emotional well-being.

The court was informed that the abuse began when the girl was only 12, and that Townsley’s actions had caused significant trauma. Detective Constable Andrea Davidson, from the Workington public protection unit, spoke publicly after the hearing, stating, “She was only 12 years old when the abuse began. The sentence handed down today reflects the horror of these offenses and, quite rightly, the judge sees prison as the only place for him.”

She further commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward, expressing hope that her courage would inspire other victims of sexual abuse to seek justice, regardless of how much time had passed since the incidents occurred. Davidson added, “The victim in this case has shown great courage in coming forward and I hope that she can now move on and try to rebuild her life. I also hope that other victims of sexual abuse can take strength from this woman and have the confidence to contact the police themselves no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.”

Earlier in September 2012, Townsley was scheduled to be sentenced after being convicted of these serious offenses. The trial had revealed that the allegations of abuse, which he initially denied, involved a pattern of manipulation and deceit. Townsley claimed that the girl had fabricated the allegations out of vindictiveness, but prosecutor Peter Warne argued that the defense was an attempt to muddy the waters and distract from the truth of the abuse.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, the message from law enforcement remains clear: justice has been served, and offenders like Townsley will face the full weight of the law for their crimes against vulnerable victims in Whitehaven and beyond.