DARYL GILLARD FROM EXETER SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED GIRL RAPE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Exeter, a young man named Daryl Gillard, aged 19, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term following his attempt to break into a young girl’s bedroom with the intent to commit a sexual assault. The incident, which occurred in 2006, has raised serious concerns about the safety of children and the presence of disturbing materials in the offender’s possession.

According to court proceedings held at Plymouth Crown Court, Gillard was caught trying to sneak through the window of a 10-year-old girl’s bedroom during the early hours of September 14. The court heard that Gillard, who was homeless at the time, was attempting to gain entry into the girl’s room with a knife in hand. The young girl awoke to find herself stuck in the window and quickly ran to her brother’s bedroom to seek refuge. Her parents entered the room shortly after, causing Gillard to flee the scene. He was later apprehended by police, who found the knife in his pocket.

During the investigation, authorities discovered a collection of disturbing photographs in Gillard’s hostel room, including images of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the victims of the Soham murders. These photographs were reportedly used by Gillard for sexual gratification. Additionally, police found various items of children’s clothing, including a girl’s bikini, further indicating his disturbing interests.

Prosecutor David Sapiecha detailed the events, emphasizing that Gillard was armed with a knife when he attempted to climb into the girl’s bedroom. The girl, upon waking and becoming stuck, managed to escape and hide. Her parents’ intervention led to Gillard’s quick escape, but he was later arrested with the weapon in his possession. Gillard admitted that he intended to have sex with the girl and that he would have shown her the knife to intimidate her.

Defense attorney Nigel Askam described Gillard as a “very confused young man” who has shown remorse for his actions. Despite this, the court was clear about the severity of the offense. Judge Paul Darlow sentenced Gillard to serve a minimum of two and a half years before he could apply for parole, emphasizing that Gillard would remain in custody until deemed safe to re-enter society. The case has left the Exeter community deeply concerned about the safety of children and the presence of such disturbing behavior in the area.