DAVID WORRALL OF CREWE SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In February 2016, David Worrall, who was then residing on Catherine Street, Crewe, was convicted of severe child sexual offenses. Previously, in November 2008, Worrall, of Dee Way, Winsford, was sentenced to six years in prison for a lengthy campaign of sexual abuse against a young girl. The court was informed that Worrall, aged 24 at the time, began molesting his victim, who was only eight years old, during a period that lasted for approximately three years.

Worrall engaged the girl in what he described as 'games,' which involved indecent assault while babysitting her twice weekly. He would cover her eyes and force her to touch his erect penis. Prosecutor Peter Moss stated: “The last time he touched her she was about eleven, and he commented that she was starting to develop pubic hair. She ‘freaked out’ and started kicking him.”

Defending Worrall, Duncan John Bould suggested that a lack of sexual experience might have influenced his behavior, noting his past convictions for indecent exposure. He stated: “He was naive in the kind of experiences that might be expected of someone that age. No naivety can justify a 24-year-old man touching an eight-year-old child.”

The crimes only came to light after the victim, now 20, confided in her boyfriend’s sister. She convinced her to report the abuse to police. Worrall was originally facing trial on 20 counts of sex offenses but pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency with a child during a hearing at Chester Crown Court on October 7, following a last-minute plea bargain.

In mitigation, Mr. Bould argued, “All be it this is a serious matter, the matters stopped then and since there has been no repetition. He has a partner and children of his own, and his behavior has shown no ongoing deviancy. He has changed and regrets what happened and the effect it had on his victim.”

Passing sentence, Judge Nicholas Woodward emphasized the defendant’s betrayal of trust, stating: “Your victim was at a very tender age, a very tender age indeed. You, on the other hand, were 24, 25 and 26 and were in a position of trust. We can see the planned and deliberate nature of your exploitation of this child. You stopped when she was of a sufficient age to resist what you were doing.”

Although Worrall received a six-year sentence, it is anticipated he will be released after just over two years. However, he will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.