DAVID WEIGHTMAN JAILED FOR 20 YEARS IN SALISBURY FOR SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

A man named David Weightman has been sentenced to a severe 20-year imprisonment after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences against three vulnerable young girls. The crimes took place over a period spanning from 1998 to 2004 in Salisbury, where Weightman resided at Linkway. The details of his abuse reveal a calculated and systematic pattern of grooming and exploitation aimed specifically at children who were at particularly vulnerable stages of their lives.

The atrocities began when one of the victims was only six years old, with Weightman preying on her while caring for her and her siblings. It was during these caregiving moments that he would unlawfully touch and assault her, creating a pattern of abuse that would persist for years. His manipulation extended beyond physical acts; he instilled fear and anxiety in his victims by making disturbing threats and comments. Notably, he told two of the terrified young girls that he intended to have sex with them “one day,” messages that left the children overwhelmed with terror about what future encounters might hold.

In addition to the three victims he directly assaulted during this nine-year timeframe, Weightman also exploited a fourth young girl, albeit in a brief encounter. This encounter occurred when she was in a vulnerable state, and he took advantage of her vulnerability for his own depraved purposes. The assaults and grooming behaviors stretched from 1998 until 2004, well into the early 2000s, showcasing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Despite his initial denial of all charges, a jury at Swindon Crown Court found him guilty of 19 counts related to the abuse. These charges included rape, attempted rape, and various sexual assaults. The prosecution, led by Philip Warren, described Weightman’s actions as “grooming behaviour” aimed at children who lacked the capacity to defend themselves or fully understand the gravity of his depravity.

During the trial, the court heard emotional testimonies from the victims, each of whom demonstrated remarkable resilience in recounting their experiences. Their testimonies painted a heartbreaking picture of lives deeply scarred by Weightman’s actions. The defense, represented by Charles Row, attempted to mitigate the severity of his client’s conduct by citing health issues such as sepsis and “shattered nerves,” but these arguments did little to sway the court.

Judge Tim Mousley QC delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the lengthy period over which Weightman had systematically exploited these young girls. “Over a period of about nine years between 1998 and 2007, you systematically abused three young girls,” the judge stated. “You also opportunistically abused another girl when the opportunity arose. The impact on these victims has been profound and lasting.” He added that the victims had shown incredible resilience, but their childhoods had been marred by immense sadness and fear, with their lives profoundly disrupted.

The judge condemned Weightman’s decision to contest the charges, stating that if he had admitted his guilt earlier, the victims might have found an easier path towards recovery. Instead, they endured the painful process of reliving their ordeals through court proceedings. “The psychological toll on these young girls has been immense,” the judge remarked, underscoring the devastating effects of his abuse.

As part of his sentence, Weightman was also ordered to comply with lifelong registration as a sex offender, prohibiting him from working with children and subjecting him to a strict sexual harm prevention order that would restrict his liberties. These measures are designed to prevent any further harm and to monitor his activities closely in the future.

Following the verdict, Temporary Detective Sergeant Helen Clarke from Chippenham CID expressed her dismay regarding Weightman’s lack of remorse. “Weightman has shown no remorse for his despicable actions, and his not guilty plea forced his victims to relive their brutally painful experiences once again,” she said. She praised the bravery and courage of the four victims who reported the abuse and testified in court, acknowledging the tremendous difficulty they faced in coming forward after so many years.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that grooming and abuse can have on young lives and underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators like David Weightman in Salisbury and beyond.