LUKE STEELE DAVIS FROM SITTINGBOURNE FACES JAIL AFTER GUILTY PLEA IN CHILD SEX CASE

In December 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Luke Steele Davis, a guitar instructor based in Sittingbourne, who is now facing potential imprisonment after admitting to serious sexual offenses and possession of child abuse images. The proceedings took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Davis, aged 35 and residing on Canterbury Road, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the exploitation of a 14-year-old girl.

According to court records, Davis confessed to engaging in sexual activity with the young girl, specifically groping her breasts and bottom while she was at his residence for guitar lessons. The court heard that Davis had downloaded and stored a significant number of child sex abuse images on his computer, totaling 37 photographs at various levels of severity. Among these, one image was classified at the highest level of five, another at level four, 18 at level three, and 17 at level one. In addition to these illegal images, police discovered approximately 65,000 pornographic images that were deemed legal but still part of his extensive collection.

During the hearing, Davis denied allegations that he caused or incited the girl to engage in sexual activity, and a not guilty verdict was entered on those counts. His defense, led by Louise Oakley, argued that Davis believed the girl to be 15 years old at the time of the offenses, although she acknowledged that he was aware she was legally a minor. Ms. Oakley emphasized the importance of a pre-sentence report, highlighting Davis's previously good character and the breach of trust inherent in his role as a guitar teacher. She also noted that Davis continued to teach guitar, but with recorded lessons and his father present during sessions, suggesting some level of supervision.

Judge Martin Joy, presiding over the case, decided to adjourn sentencing for four weeks to allow for a comprehensive pre-sentence report. The judge issued a stern warning, stating that Davis must have no unsupervised contact with children in the meantime. Addressing Davis directly, Judge Joy emphasized the gravity of the charges, noting, "You have pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences. You must understand that by adjourning for a pre-sentence report, it is not an indication of the nature of the sentence you will receive." The court's decision underscores the severity of the case and the potential for a custodial sentence upon completion of the investigation.