DANGEROUS PREDATOR DAVID BALE SENTENCED IN RUGBY FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AND ASSAULTS

Police authorities have publicly released an image of David Bale, a man they have classified as a 'dangerous predator' due to his involvement in multiple serious criminal acts. Bale, aged 27 and residing on Lytham Road in Overslade, was sentenced to a six-year prison term at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday, December 17. His conviction followed a guilty plea to charges including one count of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, seven counts of indecent exposure, and two counts of common assault.

The criminal activities for which Bale was held accountable occurred over a span of two months, specifically in April and May of 2019, within the town of Rugby. The most disturbing incident involved Bale breaking into the home of a 90-year-old woman during the dead of night. According to court reports, Bale entered her residence without permission, woke her from her sleep, and proceeded to indecently expose himself to her. The elderly woman, frightened and disoriented, attempted to move past Bale to escape the situation. However, Bale physically restrained her by stopping her and then assaulted her by punching her in the head.

Despite her injuries and distress, the woman managed to escape her home. Bale, however, did not retreat and followed her outside, where he continued his assault, further victimizing her. The elderly woman was left shaken and injured from the ordeal. The incident did not end there; Bale's actions that night also included ringing the doorbell of a second victim, a woman in her 70s. When she looked out of her window, she saw Bale indecently exposing himself to her as well.

Following these incidents, police launched an investigation that quickly identified Bale as the suspect. The authorities linked him to the crimes through evidence collected during their inquiries. Bale's criminal record and the pattern of his behavior led to additional charges, including four other offences related to similar conduct. Bale's actions caused significant alarm and fear among the local community, prompting police to take swift action.

In court, Detective Constable Ant Episcopo of the Rugby Serious and Complex Crime Team expressed the gravity of Bale's crimes, stating, “This was a terrifying ordeal for all of the victims targeted by Bale who were understandably left scared and shaken following the incidents.” He further emphasized the importance of the sentence, saying, “Bale is a dangerous predator who belongs behind bars and I hope this sentence offers some comfort and closure to the victims in this case.”

As part of his sentencing, Bale received an extended license period of four years, was issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and was mandated to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The court, presided over by Judge Anthony Potter, highlighted Bale’s lack of remorse and the dangerous nature of his conduct. The judge remarked, “I have to sentence you for seven offences of exposure, two of battery, and a serious offence of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. I am satisfied you targeted her, knowing an elderly woman lived there on her own.”

Judge Potter also criticized Bale’s attitude towards his behavior, noting, “You express no real insight into your condition with respect to your interest in exposing yourself, and the excuses you made with regard to your use of cannabis and alcohol to justify your behaviour are not consistent with the remorse you seek to express.” He further added, “This isn’t a case where you are expressing genuine remorse, but distress for the circumstances in which you find yourself.”

The court concluded that Bale poses a significant risk of causing further harm through similar offences, justifying the lengthy sentence and strict supervision measures. The judge’s decision underscores the need to protect the public from individuals like Bale, who have demonstrated a pattern of predatory and harmful behavior in Rugby.