DAVID CAMPBELL'S HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CROSBY REVEALED AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Crosby, Liverpool, David Campbell, a 73-year-old man, was found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving two young children. The court proceedings, held at Liverpool Crown Court, uncovered a pattern of prolonged abuse that began when the victims were as young as five years old.

Campbell, who resides on Longfield Avenue in Crosby, was accused of grooming the children with seemingly innocent gestures before escalating to sexual assault. One of the victims recounted how Campbell initially tried to lure her by asking if she wanted to see his guinea pigs, a seemingly benign invitation that masked his sinister intentions. He also bought a doll for one of the girls, further manipulating her trust before committing acts of abuse.

The trial, prosecuted by Ben Jones, revealed that Campbell's predatory behavior spanned over seven years for at least one of the victims. The court heard that Campbell’s actions included inciting the children to engage in sexual activities and exposing himself to them. These crimes were first reported to the police in 2020, leading to Campbell’s arrest and subsequent charges.

Following a jury verdict on Thursday, Campbell was convicted of 11 counts, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and exposure. The court was presented with emotional statements from the victims, who described the profound and lasting impact of Campbell’s actions. One victim expressed her desire for justice, stating, “I need justice for the disgusting, awful crimes he committed against me - what he has done is unforgivable.” Another victim, who described herself as scarred by the abuse, conveyed her feelings of anger and sadness, emphasizing that the trauma has significantly altered her perception of the world. She said, “I feel angry knowing what happened to me,” and added, “I can't just forget, these things don't go away.”

During sentencing, the court acknowledged Campbell’s prior conviction for indecent assault in 1988, which underscored a pattern of predatory behavior. His defense lawyer, Fiona McNeill, highlighted Campbell’s health issues, including osteoarthritis and mental health problems, arguing that his age and health conditions would make imprisonment particularly difficult for him. Despite these arguments, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones emphasized the severity and ongoing impact of Campbell’s crimes.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated that Campbell’s abuse was carried out on a regular basis and caused enduring psychological harm to the victims. He described the offenses as driven purely by Campbell’s own sexual gratification and noted that the repercussions of his actions continue to ripple through the lives of those affected. Campbell was sentenced to 17 years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life. The judge made it clear that the court recognized the profound pain inflicted and the long-lasting scars left behind, emphasizing that the effects of Campbell’s abuse would persist for many years to come.