DAVID WEATHERALL FROM KNARESBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN YORK

In a case that has spanned over four decades, David Weatherall, a 62-year-old resident of Fossdale Close in Knaresborough, has been sentenced to three years in prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes, which began when the victim was still a child, have left a lasting impact on her mental health and well-being, as detailed during the court proceedings.

Prosecutor Kitty Colley outlined that Weatherall’s abuse of the girl persisted over many years, starting when she was very young. The victim, now an adult, bravely came forward to York Crown Court to share her harrowing experience. She revealed that the abuse had contributed to her suffering from severe mental health issues, including multiple suicide attempts, as well as physical problems. Her decision to report Weatherall was prompted after he was prosecuted in 2019 for possessing indecent images of children, a case that garnered media attention and brought her suffering into the public eye.

During her personal statement, she expressed her hope for closure, stating, “My only hope in coming forward is so I can seek closure for what I have suffered for many years. My life was stolen from me. Nothing will get those years back or compensate for the trauma I have endured.”

Weatherall, who resides on Fossdale Close in Knaresborough, pleaded guilty on the day his trial was scheduled to begin. He faced multiple charges, including four counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. The court sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits Weatherall from having any contact with children under the age of 16, among other restrictions.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, emphasized the seriousness of Weatherall’s offending, noting, “It is quite clear this offending shows your interest in children harks back some considerable time.” As part of his sentence, Weatherall will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

Further details of Weatherall’s criminal history emerged during the trial. In 2019, police uncovered disturbing evidence at his residence following a search warrant executed in 2017. Officers discovered lengthy videos depicting young children being raped and sexually abused. One such video lasted 38 minutes, featuring children aged between six and 13. Weatherall admitted that he became sexually aroused while watching these videos and accepted two charges related to possessing indecent images of children.

Initially, Weatherall was sentenced to 10 months in jail for these offenses. However, the Court of Appeal suspended the sentence and reduced it to six months, taking into account the time he had already spent in custody while awaiting the appeal hearing. This case underscores the long-standing nature of Weatherall’s criminal behavior and the ongoing threat he poses to the safety of children in the Knaresborough and York areas.