DAVID BOXALL PELYNT SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT NEAR LOOE

In June 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving David Boxall, a resident and worker in Pelynt, near Looe, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl. The incident took place in December of the previous year, and the details of the case reveal a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Boxall, aged 41 at the time, was brought to Truro Crown Court from HMP Exeter to face charges related to the assault. He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, a serious offense that has garnered significant attention in the local community. Prosecuting barrister Philip Lee outlined the harrowing circumstances of the victim, a girl under the age of 16, who was subjected to this assault after being heavily intoxicated at a social gathering.

According to Mr. Lee, the girl had little experience with alcohol prior to that night. She recalls trying various drinks, including vodka, described as “some blue stuff,” cider, and several bottles of Budweiser, during the event. The excessive consumption led her to become extremely intoxicated, to the point where she was falling down repeatedly. Witnesses observed her in this state, with the defendant, Boxall, assisting her by picking her up and offering her more alcohol, asking, “do you want another drink?”

She cannot remember how she ended up alone with Boxall in the same room, but the victim later described how he touched her naked breasts. She was physically clinging to him, with her arms and legs wrapped around him, when she suddenly felt pain in her vaginal area. The girl was overwhelmed, feeling numb and unable to speak, but she recalls shouting out in distress. Witnesses at the scene saw her on the floor with her pants down as Boxall pulled his up, indicating a clear assault. Prosecutors indicated that had she not shouted out in pain, Boxall might have proceeded to attempt full sexual intercourse.

Following the incident, the victim was seen by her father the next day, appearing very drunk, with rolling eyes and slurred speech. It was only the following morning that she confided in her parents about what had happened. The trauma has had lasting effects; she suffers from frequent nightmares and sleep disturbances. Her family, deeply affected by the incident, are considering relocating to escape the emotional toll.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Carr condemned Boxall’s actions, stating, “It’s pretty clear you were deliberately feeding large amounts of alcohol to young girls to reduce their resistance to you. The victim was so drunk she couldn’t stand up, and your reaction after helping her up was to offer her more to drink.” The judge emphasized the severity of the assault, noting that the victim only has limited memory of the events but clearly remembers feeling pain above her vagina. He added, “I have no doubt that the image of you on top of her will stay with her for a very long time.”

Judge Carr further condemned Boxall’s premeditated behavior, stating that this was not a moment of madness but a calculated act involving the deliberate intoxication of a minor over an extended period. As a result, Boxall was sentenced to five years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the victim’s life.