DAVID ATKINS SIDBURY SEX OFFENDER FAILS IN COURT OF APPEAL OVER JAIL SENTENCE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, 77-year-old David Atkins, a resident of Sidbury, has seen his attempt to reduce his prison term rejected by the Court of Appeal. The pensioner, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over three decades ago, faced the court once again as his legal team sought to have his sentence shortened.

Atkins was originally sentenced to 11 years in prison at Leicester Crown Court in April of the previous year. The charges stemmed from allegations made by an 11-year-old girl, whom he had befriended while living in Leicester more than 40 years ago. The victim’s claims surfaced publicly in 2013, prompting a police investigation and subsequent trial.

During the trial, Atkins vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that they were fabricated. Despite his denials, a jury found him guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one count of a serious sexual attack. The court’s judgment was delivered with the understanding of the long-standing nature of the offenses, which had taken place many years prior to the victim coming forward.

On the day of the appeal hearing, which was conducted via video link from prison, Atkins appeared to be resigned to the court’s decision. He was observed slumping in his seat, bowing his head, and shaking it as the court announced its ruling. The panel, comprising Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing, Lord Justice Simon, and Judge Clement Goldstone QC, deliberated for less than an hour before dismissing his appeal.

Mrs Justice Laing addressed the court, reaffirming that the conviction for the most serious offense was justified and that the overall sentence of 11 years was appropriate given the circumstances. She emphasized that the offenses had occurred decades ago, but the victim’s delayed reporting in 2013 did not diminish the severity of the crimes.

Atkins, who resides at Furzehill, Sidbury, Sidmouth, was interviewed following his conviction and maintained that all allegations were false. His legal representatives argued that the trial concerning the most serious charge was unfair and that he should have been convicted of a lesser offense. They also contended that his sentence was excessively long, especially considering his conduct since the crimes, which included a law-abiding lifestyle and the presentation of 15 character references.

Despite these arguments, the court upheld the original sentence. Mrs Justice Laing stated that the sentence was fair, taking into account the nature of the abuse, its impact on the victim, Atkins’ age, and his conduct since the offenses. She concluded that the 11-year imprisonment was not manifestly excessive, underscoring the court’s stance on the gravity of the crimes committed by David Atkins in Sidbury.