ALAN DAVIES FROM MAIDENCOMBE JAILED FOR 20 YEARS OVER ABUSE IN DEVON AND SURREY

In a case that has shocked the local community and beyond, Alan Davies, a 75-year-old resident of Maidencombe near Stokeinteignhead, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years for heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The proceedings took place at Exeter Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the abuse and the courageous testimonies of the victims who, despite Davies's status as a wealthy retired businessman and respected churchgoer, chose to come forward and speak out.

According to court records, Davies committed his first set of offenses in the 1990s while residing in Surrey. It was during this period that he allegedly abused his first victim, a young girl whose age at the time was not specified. By the time the second incident occurred, Davies had already moved to South Devon, specifically to the tranquil area of Maidencombe. The second victim, a six-year-old girl, was subjected to sexual abuse by Davies, an act that would later be uncovered through the brave testimony of the child and her family.

At the time of the court proceedings, Davies was visibly marked by his age and blindness, which he had developed after relocating to Devon. He was seen entering and leaving the court with the aid of a white cane, a stark reminder of his visual impairment. During police interviews, Davies dismissed the allegations as 'a load of balderdash' and 'old tosh,' attempting to deny any wrongdoing. Despite his denials, a jury at Exeter Crown Court found him guilty of multiple serious charges, including five counts of rape and six counts of indecency against the first victim, as well as two sexual assaults and one count of inciting sexual activity with a child concerning the second victim.

Judge David Evans sentenced Davies to 19 years in prison, with an additional one-year extension on license. In his remarks, the judge emphasized that Davies had employed subtle threats and emotional manipulation to silence his victims, causing profound psychological harm, especially to the first girl. The judge acknowledged the immense courage it took for the victims to testify and endure cross-examination, highlighting their resilience in the face of such trauma.

Judge Evans also pointed out that Davies continues to deny his guilt and has shown no remorse for his actions. Recognizing the additional hardships Davies faces due to his blindness and health issues, the judge decided to reduce the sentence slightly, reflecting the difficulties he will encounter while serving his time. The judge stated, 'It is clear from all the evidence that it has taken a considerable degree of courage, persistence, and fortitude for the victims to make and maintain these allegations.'

Prosecutor Miss Sarah Jones, KC, detailed how the abuse was uncovered after the six-year-old girl confided in her mother about being touched by Davies. Her mother contacted the NSPCC, which led to police investigations and the subsequent revelation of the earlier offenses that had not been reported at the time. Davies, who previously ran a successful recruitment business with his wife in Surbiton before selling it in 1996 and relocating to Devon, denied all allegations, claiming they were 'cloud cuckoo land.' He insisted he had not engaged in any sexual contact with either girl and expressed horror at the accusations, describing them as 'abhorrent.'

The case has left a lasting impact on the community, with many expressing shock and disappointment over the betrayal of trust by someone considered a pillar of the community. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of the crimes committed and the importance of justice for the victims, who demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward despite the trauma they endured.