SALISBURY PAEDOPHILE DAVID WEIGHTMAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the Salisbury community and beyond, David Weightman, a 56-year-old man from Linkway, Salisbury, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls over a span of nearly a decade. The crimes, which date back to 1998 and continued until 2004, involved the systematic abuse of three vulnerable girls, with an additional victim also targeted during a brief encounter when she was in a fragile state.

Weightman’s predatory behavior began when one of his victims was only six years old. He exploited his position of trust while caring for the children, using grooming tactics to manipulate and sexually assault them. The court heard that he not only physically abused these young girls but also psychologically terrorized them by making disturbing threats about future sexual acts. Two of the victims were told by Weightman that he would have sex with them “one day,” a statement that left them terrified and traumatized, fearing their next encounter with him.

During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, the jury found Weightman guilty of 19 counts, including rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault, despite his plea of not guilty. The prosecution, led by Philip Warren, described Weightman’s actions as “grooming behavior,” highlighting the calculated manner in which he targeted these vulnerable children. The court was shown evidence of the emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon the victims, who demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the profound impact of the abuse.

Defending him, Charles Row argued that Weightman, who was then of Trowbridge, was suffering from various health issues, including sepsis and “shattered nerves,” which he claimed might have affected his behavior. However, Judge Tim Mousley QC was unequivocal in his sentencing remarks, condemning Weightman’s actions as “systematic” and “opportunistic.” The judge emphasized the long-lasting harm caused to the victims, describing their lives as being “ruined” by the abuse. He acknowledged their courage in giving evidence and expressed regret that Weightman chose to contest the charges, which forced the victims to relive their trauma in court.

Judge Mousley also addressed the disturbing nature of Weightman’s threats, noting that he told two of the girls he would have sex with them “one day,” a statement that compounded the victims’ fears and confusion. The judge pointed out the profound psychological toll such threats and abuse had on the young girls, who had kept their suffering hidden for years out of fear and shame.

As part of his sentence, Weightman was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, barred from working with children, and subject to a sexual harm prevention order that would restrict his liberty further. The police and prosecutors praised the bravery of the victims, who faced the ordeal of testifying in court despite the trauma they endured. Weightman’s actions and subsequent conviction serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of sexual abuse.