DANIEL REID FROM HAYDON WICK JAILED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION IN SWINDON
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Haydon Wick Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community, Daniel Reid, a 29-year-old man from Haydon Wick, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl. The incident occurred following a Christmas work party, during which Reid had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, leading to his subsequent actions that have now resulted in a lengthy custodial sentence.
Reid's offending took place during the night after the party on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. He had stayed over at the young girl’s home, and after going to bed, he got up during the night and entered her bedroom. Once there, he climbed into her bed, where the child was sleeping. The young girl awoke to find Reid in her bed, and during this distressing encounter, he removed her pyjama bottoms and pants, indecently touching her. The following morning, the girl confided in her family about what had happened during the night.
Prosecutor Chris Smyth explained that although Reid initially told the girl’s family that he could not remember the incident due to his intoxicated state, he later denied any memory of the events when questioned by police. Reid refused to answer questions during police interviews and initially pleaded not guilty when he appeared before a judge. However, just before the trial was set to commence, a new lawyer identified an error in Reid’s legal advice, which had suggested that his intoxication could serve as a defense. This revelation led Reid to change his plea to guilty.
Prior to this, Reid had been scheduled to stand trial at Swindon Crown Court. His defense lawyer, Lauren Soertsz, expressed remorse on his behalf, emphasizing that Reid was appalled by his actions and considered the incident an isolated lapse. She described his behavior as an aberration and highlighted that he was aware of the serious consequences of his actions. Soertsz also pointed out that Reid’s initial guilty plea was based on incorrect legal advice, which suggested that his intoxication could be a defense, a misconception that was later rectified.
She further explained that a letter was sent to prosecutors indicating that the young girl would not be cross-examined, but this letter was never received. Once the mistake was discovered, legal representatives clarified that Reid had no valid defense and that he had been misadvised. The judge, Douglas Field, acknowledged Reid’s previously good character and the fact that this was an isolated incident, noting that Reid had shown remorse. However, the judge emphasized the profound impact of the crime on the young girl and her family, stating that Reid was fully responsible for the trauma caused.
Judge Field made it clear that he had never encountered a situation where a lawyer’s misadvice had influenced sentencing to this extent. He stated that Reid had the opportunity to accept proper legal advice but chose to proceed based on incorrect guidance. The court also ordered Reid to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, underscoring the severity of his crime and the lasting consequences he faces.
Reid's offending took place during the night after the party on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. He had stayed over at the young girl’s home, and after going to bed, he got up during the night and entered her bedroom. Once there, he climbed into her bed, where the child was sleeping. The young girl awoke to find Reid in her bed, and during this distressing encounter, he removed her pyjama bottoms and pants, indecently touching her. The following morning, the girl confided in her family about what had happened during the night.
Prosecutor Chris Smyth explained that although Reid initially told the girl’s family that he could not remember the incident due to his intoxicated state, he later denied any memory of the events when questioned by police. Reid refused to answer questions during police interviews and initially pleaded not guilty when he appeared before a judge. However, just before the trial was set to commence, a new lawyer identified an error in Reid’s legal advice, which had suggested that his intoxication could serve as a defense. This revelation led Reid to change his plea to guilty.
Prior to this, Reid had been scheduled to stand trial at Swindon Crown Court. His defense lawyer, Lauren Soertsz, expressed remorse on his behalf, emphasizing that Reid was appalled by his actions and considered the incident an isolated lapse. She described his behavior as an aberration and highlighted that he was aware of the serious consequences of his actions. Soertsz also pointed out that Reid’s initial guilty plea was based on incorrect legal advice, which suggested that his intoxication could be a defense, a misconception that was later rectified.
She further explained that a letter was sent to prosecutors indicating that the young girl would not be cross-examined, but this letter was never received. Once the mistake was discovered, legal representatives clarified that Reid had no valid defense and that he had been misadvised. The judge, Douglas Field, acknowledged Reid’s previously good character and the fact that this was an isolated incident, noting that Reid had shown remorse. However, the judge emphasized the profound impact of the crime on the young girl and her family, stating that Reid was fully responsible for the trauma caused.
Judge Field made it clear that he had never encountered a situation where a lawyer’s misadvice had influenced sentencing to this extent. He stated that Reid had the opportunity to accept proper legal advice but chose to proceed based on incorrect guidance. The court also ordered Reid to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, underscoring the severity of his crime and the lasting consequences he faces.