DAVID UTTING LEICESTER PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOY
In November 2013, a disturbing case involving a 71-year-old man from Leicester, David Utting, came to light as he was convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young boy.Utting, a resident of Gainsborough Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, was found guilty of engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor over a period spanning from 2000 to 2003.
The court proceedings revealed that Utting had admitted to four counts of indecency with a boy under the age of 13, as well as four counts of gross indecency with a child under 16.
Leicester Crown Court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, which reportedly took place during visits the young victim made to Utting’s residence, and on at least one occasion, at a hotel.
Prosecutor Victoria Rose outlined the disturbing nature of the offenses, stating that Utting initially behaved lewdly in front of the boy and encouraged him to mimic such behavior.
The victim, who was reluctant at first, later described feeling frightened during the incident at the hotel, fearing that if he tried to escape, he might become lost or unable to find his way back.
According to the prosecution, Utting would provide the young boy with anything he requested, including money, which further manipulated and coerced the victim into silence.
As a result of these experiences, the boy eventually began to avoid Utting, and the abusive conduct ceased.
The court was told that the abuse had a lasting impact on the victim, who struggled with the memories and emotional difficulties for many years before feeling able to come forward and report the crimes.
Judge Michael Pert QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Utting to a prison term of two years and eight months.
In his remarks, the judge emphasized the profound and enduring harm caused by Utting’s actions, noting that the victim’s suffering had been compounded by the delay in reporting the abuse.
The judge stated, “It’s clear your offending had a profound and long-lasting effect on him.
Your victim has lived with memories and problems for many years before he was in a position to come forward.
It’s a consequence of your offending that it’s taken so long for him to come forward.” Defense lawyer Carl Gaskell expressed remorse on behalf of Utting, stating, “He wishes me to express how genuinely sorry he is and for the effect on the complainant.
He has no previous convictions and he’s plainly able to contain his inappropriate sexual thoughts about children, in particular boys, because it stopped in 2003 and there’s been no further offending.” Furthermore, Utting was subjected to a 10-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with boys under 16 and from residing with males under 18.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the ongoing concern for public safety regarding individuals with a history of such offenses in Leicester.
