MAN JAILED AFTER JURY FINDS HIM GUILTY OF SEX OFFENCES
David Austin, aged 58, expressed his surprise at being arrested and told the court he was "very shocked" by the accusations, questioning, "I can't understand why I am standing here now." According to Hull Crown Court, Austin asserted that he only 'tickled' the girl to lift her spirits and denied four charges of sexual assault linked to an incident on July 13, 2023, in Market Weighton.Despite his claims, a jury found him guilty after a trial.
Prosecutor Benjamin Donnell stated that Austin had touched the girl intimately, dismissing any possibility that it was accidental.
Austin countered, insisting he only tickled her and did not make any sexual contact.
When asked if the girl had lied about him groping her, Austin admitted, "Yes," though he was unsure why she would fabricate such an account.
He expressed confusion, saying, "I don't know.
I can't understand why I am standing here now.
I don't know what else to put it down to." Donnell pressed him further, suggesting that the girl’s allegations were truthful and that Austin was lying to hide a sexual interest in children, which he denied.
Donnell emphasised that Austin was trying to avoid being labelled a paedophile, to which Austin responded negatively.
Throughout the interview, Austin maintained that he was innocent and had previously accepted guilt only for non-sexual crimes.
He claimed his intention was to cheer the girl up by tickling her.
He was arrested around 12:30 a.m.
that same night after the police received a complaint.
Austin described himself as 'shocked' to be accused.
The girl’s mother testified that her daughter was once a bright and curious child but changed dramatically after the incident, expressing suicidal thoughts.
The victim now suffers from nightmares and has experienced a loss of innocence.
Mitigating the case, Rachel Scott noted Austin denied the allegations and was likely to continue denying them; she also pointed out the potential consequences for his employment having served 23 years and the risk of losing his home.
She mentioned that he had remained out of trouble for a significant period.
Judge Mark Bury commented on Austin’s denial, saying, "He has rolled the dice and lost." and highlighted the serious psychological harm inflicted on the girl.
Addressing Austin directly, the judge stated, "The effect that your offending has had has been very significant.
Only a sentence of immediate custody can be justified for this offending." Austin, from Ascot Crescent in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, received a two-year prison sentence, along with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, a 10-year restraining order, and the requirement to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Although he was on bail during the trial, he was remanded into custody overnight following his conviction and was sentenced the following day.
