DAVID ADKINS CLEEVE PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In June 2006, the community of Cleeve was shaken by the sentencing of David Adkins, a 60-year-old man convicted of a series of heinous child sex crimes. The mother of a five-year-old girl, who was sexually abused by Adkins on 13 separate occasions, expressed her profound anger and despair, stating she hoped he would die in prison. Her daughter’s suffering was part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior that spanned nearly a decade.

Adkins, formerly residing on Main Road in Cleeve, was found guilty of multiple serious offences, including the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl at a hotel near an Exeter service station, as well as possessing child abuse images that depicted a baby. His criminal activities extended beyond direct abuse; he had placed advertisements in public toilets seeking to engage in sexual acts with children under 16. Additionally, he used internet chat rooms to encourage others to commit acts of child sexual abuse, fostering a disturbing online environment.

The offences committed by Adkins took place over a period from 1996 to 2005, revealing a long history of predatory behavior. His arrest and subsequent trial culminated in a conviction in February, when a jury unanimously found him guilty of one count of rape, eleven counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of attempting to arrange or facilitate a child sex offence. He was also convicted of two counts of attempted incitement to commit a sexual assault on a child, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

During the trial, Adkins admitted to some charges, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and inciting the distribution of indecent images of children. The evidence presented was deeply disturbing, including graphic images and testimonies. The court heard that he had made, distributed, and possessed numerous indecent photographs of children, totaling fifteen offences.

On Wednesday, at Bristol Crown Court, Recorder Mr. Christopher Wilson-Smith delivered the sentence, condemning Adkins for his depravity. The judge stated, “David Adkins, you are a convicted paedophile. You took pleasure in the sexual abuse of children, some of whom were no more than babies. Your depravity is great indeed; you had such a deep-seated interest.”

He further emphasized the danger Adkins posed to society, declaring, “I concluded that you are a danger to children and this court needs to keep you away from them for a long time.” The judge noted that Adkins showed no remorse and predicted that by the time he was released from prison, he would be over 70 years old, hopefully no longer a threat to young girls. As part of his punishment, Adkins was ordered to be listed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In a police interview, Adkins was confronted with photographs of child pornography found at his residence. A police officer described showing him images, including one of a five-year-old girl who had been raped, to which Adkins remarked that the girl appeared to be smiling. When questioned about the advertisements he had placed in public toilets, Adkins claimed he was working as a police informant, reporting individuals who abused children. He also admitted to sitting naked at his computer in front of a webcam, claiming it was for “cyber sex” and that his actions were merely fantasies to keep conversations going.

During the interview, Adkins expressed feelings of being unfairly treated, comparing himself to Michael Jackson and humming the German national anthem. The mother of the youngest victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, responded to the sentencing with a stark statement: “I hope he dies in prison. I hope he will come out in a black box and even that’s too good for him.” Her words reflected the profound pain and anger felt by many in the community, who continue to grapple with the trauma caused by his actions.