WHITESIDE SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A child rapist who spent much of his life on the streets of Liverpool has been convicted of heinous acts of sexual abuse against a young girl.David Whiteside, 36, was responsible for raping the victim nine times and committing five additional sexual offences in Kirkby.
Despite his guilt, Whiteside denied the charges in court, forcing the woman—who cannot be identified for legal reasons—to recount his brutal actions during the trial.
The victim expressed her fears about encountering Whiteside again, stating, "I can't even go into Liverpool city centre, where he begs on the streets, because I am scared of bumping into him." Prosecutor Paul Becker read two victim impact statements to the jury, in which the woman revealed that it was only after learning about sex education at school that she "realised what David had been doing." She added, "I hope he suffers like he has made me suffer.
I wake up in the night with terrors, crying, remembering what he did." She described Whiteside’s abusive comments, recalling he would tell her "You know you want it" while assaulting her.
The woman, who was shy as a child, said the abuse caused her to withdraw further, stating, "It made me withdraw into myself even more" and "I didn't have an ounce of confidence at all." She also shared her ongoing fear of encountering Whiteside, saying, "I won't even go into Liverpool city centre where David lives on the streets and begs for a living because I'm scared of bumping into him." Following his trial, she revealed her anger and frustration, noting that Whiteside's actions forced her to relive her trauma.
Whiteside, of Prescot Road, Old Swan, was found guilty after a trial of nine counts of child rape, four counts of sexual assault without penetration, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
During his defence, lawyer Carmel Wilde commented, "Although the defendant hasn't particularly led a good life since, his previous convictions are relatively low level." She explained that Whiteside had "difficulties in his home life," which contributed to his substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol.
Ms.
Wilde emphasized, "He maintains his innocence although he accepts the jury's decision,” and noted his willingness to participate in probation programs while in custody.
Judge Garrett Byrne sentenced Whiteside, acknowledging the lasting impact of the abuse on the victim.
He described Whiteside’s actions as having a "devastating and long-lasting effect" on her, highlighting that Whiteside had singled out and threatened her.
The judge pointed out that Whiteside had "no relevant previous convictions," but also remarked that he had "not led an unblemished life." He labeled Whiteside an "offender of particular concern" and sentenced him to 13 years and nine months in prison, with an extended one-year license period.
This means Whiteside will serve at least half of his sentence—approximately six years and ten months—before being eligible for release, pending parole review.
A lifelong restraining order was imposed to prevent Whiteside from contacting his victim, along with orders requiring him to register as a sex offender for life and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
