DAVID BYRNE'S SHOCKING FALL FROM YEOVIL COMMUNITY HERO TO SEX OFFENDER
| Red Rose Database
Yeovil Sexual Abuser
In July 2018, David Byrne, a man once celebrated as a dedicated community figure in Yeovil, was sentenced to a total of six years in prison after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences against young boys. The sentencing followed a harrowing trial at Taunton Crown Court, where the jury found Byrne guilty of four counts of sexual assault, with the crimes dating back to 1979.
Byrne, aged 55 at the time, had previously been regarded as an upstanding member of Yeovil society. He was known for his involvement in local youth activities, including his roles as a scout helper, football coach, and a former Conservative councillor representing Yeovil's Central Ward until 2016. His reputation was built on years of community service, including his participation in youth clubs at The Church of St Mary in Mudford, Holy Ghost Church in Yeovil, and other local organizations. He also contributed to local football, acting as a league representative for the Dorset Football League under 18s and managing adult teams within the county.
Born on August 14, 1962, in Wales, Byrne moved to the West Country during his youth. He attended schools in Ilchester, Langport, and Yeovil, eventually leaving school at 15 to pursue further education at Yeovil College and Cannington College. His early career involved working as an apprentice in Amenity Horticulture, where he maintained parks and land for Yeovil Borough Council. He later owned a landscape gardening business, working across various locations in Somerset.
Despite his public persona, Byrne harbored a disturbing secret. During the trial, evidence revealed that he had been abusing young boys he met through football and other youth activities. The court heard that Byrne had engaged in inappropriate conduct, including showering with victims and touching them inappropriately while watching. One victim recounted being coerced into showering at Byrne’s home, where Byrne watched as he touched himself and rubbed Deep Heat into his scrotum. Another victim described a 'medical exam' during which Byrne cupped his testicles, while a third was told to strip for a supposed medical procedure, during which Byrne groped his groin, penis, and testicles.
The court also learned that Byrne had an unhealthy obsession with young boys and had advised them not to wear underwear while playing football, raising serious concerns about his motives and behavior. Byrne consistently denied all charges, claiming that the victims had fabricated their stories and that two of them had colluded to lie against him. However, the jury deliberated for a few hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.
Following his conviction, Byrne was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was released on bail until his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 20. The judge, Recorder Richard Onslow, described the case as a grave breach of trust and emphasized the severity of Byrne’s crimes. He stated, “It’s a [total] sentence of six years in prison. You will serve half of that in custody and half on licence. You will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.”
As the community grapples with the shocking revelation of Byrne’s double life, questions remain about how someone so deeply embedded in local youth and community activities could commit such heinous acts. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in organizations that serve vulnerable children and young people in Yeovil and beyond.
Byrne, aged 55 at the time, had previously been regarded as an upstanding member of Yeovil society. He was known for his involvement in local youth activities, including his roles as a scout helper, football coach, and a former Conservative councillor representing Yeovil's Central Ward until 2016. His reputation was built on years of community service, including his participation in youth clubs at The Church of St Mary in Mudford, Holy Ghost Church in Yeovil, and other local organizations. He also contributed to local football, acting as a league representative for the Dorset Football League under 18s and managing adult teams within the county.
Born on August 14, 1962, in Wales, Byrne moved to the West Country during his youth. He attended schools in Ilchester, Langport, and Yeovil, eventually leaving school at 15 to pursue further education at Yeovil College and Cannington College. His early career involved working as an apprentice in Amenity Horticulture, where he maintained parks and land for Yeovil Borough Council. He later owned a landscape gardening business, working across various locations in Somerset.
Despite his public persona, Byrne harbored a disturbing secret. During the trial, evidence revealed that he had been abusing young boys he met through football and other youth activities. The court heard that Byrne had engaged in inappropriate conduct, including showering with victims and touching them inappropriately while watching. One victim recounted being coerced into showering at Byrne’s home, where Byrne watched as he touched himself and rubbed Deep Heat into his scrotum. Another victim described a 'medical exam' during which Byrne cupped his testicles, while a third was told to strip for a supposed medical procedure, during which Byrne groped his groin, penis, and testicles.
The court also learned that Byrne had an unhealthy obsession with young boys and had advised them not to wear underwear while playing football, raising serious concerns about his motives and behavior. Byrne consistently denied all charges, claiming that the victims had fabricated their stories and that two of them had colluded to lie against him. However, the jury deliberated for a few hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.
Following his conviction, Byrne was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was released on bail until his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 20. The judge, Recorder Richard Onslow, described the case as a grave breach of trust and emphasized the severity of Byrne’s crimes. He stated, “It’s a [total] sentence of six years in prison. You will serve half of that in custody and half on licence. You will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.”
As the community grapples with the shocking revelation of Byrne’s double life, questions remain about how someone so deeply embedded in local youth and community activities could commit such heinous acts. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in organizations that serve vulnerable children and young people in Yeovil and beyond.