SURBITON MAN DAVID WHITFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS IN KINGSTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Surbiton and the wider Kingston area, David Whitfield, aged 64, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against two young girls during the early 1980s. The crimes, which spanned from 1981 to 1985, only came to light after one of the victims courageously contacted police in May 2013, revealing that she had been indecently assaulted during that period. This revelation prompted a thorough investigation by law enforcement officers, who subsequently identified a second victim, also claiming to have been abused by Whitfield.

Following the investigation, authorities arrested Whitfield on May 31, 2013, at his residence on Grand Avenue in Surbiton. Despite his repeated denials of the allegations, the case proceeded to trial at Kingston Crown Court. On January 17, 2014, Whitfield was formally charged with a series of sex offences involving the two victims. The trial culminated on January 30, 2015, with the court delivering a comprehensive sentencing verdict.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard detailed accounts from both victims, who identified Whitfield as their abuser. The first victim, who was between 10 and 15 years old at the time of the offences, was subjected to two counts of rape and two counts of attempted rape. For these heinous crimes, Whitfield received ten-year sentences for each count, to be served concurrently, resulting in a total of 10 years imprisonment for the offences against her. Additionally, he was sentenced to 18 months for indecency with a child, and two separate 18-month sentences for indecent assault, also to be served concurrently.

The second victim, also between 10 and 15 years old during the incidents, was subjected to three counts of indecent assault. Whitfield was sentenced to one year for each of these counts, with all three sentences running concurrently. However, these sentences are to be served consecutively to the sentences for the first victim, leading to a total of 11 years behind bars. The court also imposed a sexual offenders prevention order on Whitfield and mandated that he be placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

In summary, David Whitfield’s criminal actions have resulted in a significant prison sentence, reflecting the severity of his offences and the impact on his victims. His case underscores the importance of vigilance and the courage of victims in coming forward to seek justice, even decades after the crimes occurred.