DAVID TWINAME AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN DERBYSHIRE
David Twiname, aged 74 and residing on Wingfield Road in Alfreton, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual crimes that span several decades within Derbyshire.The charges against him include 28 counts of sexual offences, with numerous allegations involving rape and abuse of minors under 16 years of age.
The initial offences reportedly began in the 1970s, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior stretching over more than four decades.
Twiname appeared at Derby Crown Court in September 2021, where he faced the court to respond to the serious allegations.
He denied 10 counts of rape—five of which involved victims under the age of 16—and also denied five counts of indecent assault.
Despite his pleas, he was granted bail pending the outcome of his trial.
However, in February 2022, after a thorough legal process, a jury unanimously found him guilty on all charges brought against him.
Prior to the trial, Twiname had admitted to other disturbing offences.
These included the indecent assault of another child under 16, as well as various offences involving extreme animal pornography and sexual acts with a dog.
The most recent of these admitted offences occurred in 2019, illustrating that Twiname's criminal conduct persisted into recent years.
Today, Thursday 13 October, in a sentencing hearing, Twiname was given a prison term of 31 years.
His victims and the community of Derbyshire can be assured that he will be behind bars for a significant period, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
Twiname's wife, Judith Button, aged 59 and also of Wingfield Road, received a separate but related sentence.
She was handed a two-year prison sentence which was suspended for 21 months.
Additionally, she was ordered to undertake rehabilitation programmes and community service.
It was revealed that Button had previously admitted to two sexual offences involving children, dating back approximately thirty years, as well as two offences related to sex with a dog, with incidents spanning from 1987 to 2004.
Another individual implicated in the case is 78-year-old Antoinette Holroyd of Alfreton Road in Underwood.
She admitted to indecently assaulting a boy under 16 and received a 21-month suspended sentence, along with a rehabilitation order.
Both Button and Holroyd are now registered on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.
Detective Sergeant Dan Saunby commented on the case, describing it as extremely complex and spanning many decades.
He acknowledged the profound emotional impact on the victims, many of whom were just children at the time of the offences.
Sergeant Saunby expressed gratitude to the survivors for their bravery and resilience throughout the legal process.
He emphasized that the justice served today aims to allow the victims and their families to move forward.
He further characterized Twiname as not only a paedophile but also a manipulative individual who encouraged others to participate in his depraved acts.
His attempts to deny certain charges forced victims to endure the trauma of court proceedings, prolonging their suffering.
However, he praised the jury’s awareness and ability to see through Twiname’s deception, resulting in a conviction.
Sergeant Saunby concluded his statement by offering words of support to anyone who may have experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past.
He reassured the public that help is available and encouraged victims to speak out, whether or not they wish to involve law enforcement.
