DAVID BORTHWICK FROM SUNDERLAND CONVICTED FOR DISTURBING SCHOOLGIRLS IN THE NORTH-EAST
In February 2013, a disturbing case involving David Borthwick, a resident of Sunderland, came to light when a judge ordered the confiscation of his vehicle following a series of heinous incidents targeting schoolgirls across the North-East region.Borthwick, a 50-year-old man with a balding appearance, was found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate and deviant sexual behaviour that caused significant trauma to young victims.
According to court reports, Borthwick had been actively touring various locations within the North-East, specifically near schools, where he would perform lewd acts in his car in full view of passing schoolgirls.
His actions were calculated and repeated over a period spanning nearly two years.
To evade detection, Borthwick would frequently alter the registration plates of his Volvo, making it difficult for authorities to link his activities to him.
Despite these precautions, law enforcement officials eventually connected the incidents through roadside camera footage, which revealed the original number plates on the dashboard of his vehicle.
Following his arrest, Borthwick initially denied any involvement in the offences.
However, as the case progressed and he faced imminent trial at Teesside Crown Court, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a series of charges.
The court heard that his behaviour included parking near schools, waiting for children to pass by, and then exposing himself, ensuring that the girls could see him.
When victims attempted to record details of his vehicle, Borthwick would drive away to avoid identification.
During sentencing, Judge Peter Armstrong addressed Borthwick directly, condemning his actions as unusual and deeply troubling.
The judge emphasized that such behaviour, which involved deliberately parking in areas frequented by young girls with the intent of performing sexual acts, was both deviant and unacceptable.
As part of the sentence, Borthwick’s car was confiscated, and he was subjected to a curfew from 1 pm to 6 pm to restrict his movements.
In addition to the vehicle confiscation and curfew, Borthwick, who was unemployed and worked as a lorry driver, received a 15-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
He was also mandated to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment programme.
During a probation interview, Borthwick revealed that his disturbing sexual interests developed after a visit to a nudist beach while on holiday in Jamaica.
His legal representative, Alex Burns, commented on the case, stating, “He has already faced part of his punishment.
He has lost his job, and his girlfriend has understandably ended their relationship.
If he were to be sent to prison, he would not receive the help he needs.
He has shown some remorse and has not reoffended for two years.” Prosecutor Shaun Dodds detailed the extent of Borthwick’s offending, stating that he parked near schools, waited for children, and exposed himself, ensuring that the victims saw him.
Despite the mounting evidence, Borthwick initially maintained his innocence but later admitted to five charges of outraging public decency committed between 2009 and 2011 across the North-East, including four incidents in County Durham.
Judge Armstrong concluded the hearing by expressing concern over such behaviour, noting, “This sort of offending always causes the court concern.
It is unusual and deviant sexual behaviour for someone to get their sexual thrills by parking up knowing young girls are going to walk past.” The case highlights the serious nature of such offences and the ongoing need for vigilance and appropriate legal action to protect vulnerable members of the community.
