DAVID BUDD, THE NEWHAM PAEDOPHILE ICE CREAM SELLER, JAILED FOR ABUSE IN THE 1970S

In a case that spans decades and highlights the importance of victim bravery, David Budd, a 72-year-old man from Newham, has been sentenced to prison for heinous crimes committed in the 1970s. During that period, Budd was known locally as an ice cream seller operating within the borough of Newham, a position that allowed him to gain the trust of young children, including four girls who were all approximately nine years old at the time.

These young victims fell prey to his manipulative tactics, which involved grooming them over a period of time before he committed sexual assaults. Court proceedings revealed that Budd's actions were carried out with calculated intent, exploiting his role in the community to approach and deceive vulnerable children.

Despite the passage of many years, Budd managed to evade justice for a long time. After his crimes, he moved abroad to Spain, where he lived for some time. It was only after one of his victims, demonstrating remarkable courage, came forward to police authorities last year that the case was reopened. This brave disclosure prompted detectives to identify three additional girls who had also been sexually assaulted by him during the 1970s.

Following the new evidence, law enforcement officials tracked Budd down and arrested him in December at Southend Airport as he was returning to the United Kingdom. The subsequent investigation led to formal charges being brought against him in April. During the court proceedings, Budd admitted to seven counts of indecent assault and four charges of indecency with a child.

In a sentencing hearing held last month, the court handed down a significant punishment, sentencing him to eight years and ten months in prison. The case underscores the importance of perseverance and bravery among victims of abuse, as well as the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.