DAVID BUDGEN FROM GREENMEADOW SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SWINDON

In a case that has shocked the local community, David Budgen, a 61-year-old man originally from Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow, was convicted of a serious sexual offence involving a young girl. The incident took place during a party in Swindon, and the repercussions have been deeply felt by the victim and her family.

According to court proceedings, the assault occurred in 2005 when the young girl, only six years old at the time, was subjected to an inappropriate act by Budgen. The prosecution, led by Lynne Matthews, detailed how Budgen, who had been drinking heavily at the gathering, coaxed the child into performing a sexual act. The court was told that after the assault, Budgen attempted to silence the girl by telling her, “I am a 60-year-old man, you are a child and no-one will believe you,” in an effort to prevent her from disclosing what had happened.

The victim, now aged ten, confided in her family about the incident, which prompted them to contact law enforcement authorities. The court heard that the trauma from the assault had led the young girl to develop severe emotional and mental health issues, including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of guilt over the incident. Her suffering was vividly detailed in a victim impact statement read during the trial.

Defense attorney Sean Hammond argued that the offence was not premeditated and emphasized that Budgen had not groomed the girl prior to the assault. He explained that his client had been intoxicated at the time and had left the party shortly afterward. Hammond stated, “He immediately realised what he was doing was wrong. He had been drinking. Thereafter he showed immediate remorse.”

Hammond also revealed that since the incident was brought to light, Budgen had attempted to take his own life twice, resulting in hospitalizations due to overdose. The defendant had since retired early and, along with his wife—who continues to support him—planned to relocate abroad. The lawyer appealed for the court to consider a suspended sentence, allowing Budgen to attend a sex offenders’ treatment program, citing his remorse and shame over his actions.

Ultimately, Judge Douglas Field sentenced Budgen to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offence, noting the victim’s young age and the profound impact on her. He stated, “This is a serious offence. The victim was only six years old. One has to take into account the effect on this little girl which I have read in depressing detail in the victim impact statement.”

Furthermore, the court imposed strict conditions on Budgen’s future, including a lifelong ban from working with children and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A sexual offences prevention order was also issued, prohibiting him from having contact with the victim or any individual under 16 unless accompanied by a parent aware of his conviction. These measures aim to protect the community and prevent any further harm from the convicted individual.