SOUTH ESSEX PAEDOPHILE DAVID CROOKES FINALLY SENTENCED AFTER MISSING COURT DATES
A convicted paedophile from south Essex, described as ‘dangerous,’ repeatedly failed to appear in court, and after being granted bail, he did not return for his formal sentencing.The individual, David Crookes, was scheduled to be sentenced in May for multiple child sex offences.
He did not attend the hearing at Basildon Crown Court, claiming health issues as the reason.
As a result, the judge ordered his arrest.
Crookes had previously missed two plea hearings, also citing medical problems.
He made his first appearance in court in April, at which point Southend Magistrates’ Court released him on bail.
Despite being remanded in custody at Chelmsford Prison and facing mobility problems that prevented him from attending his August sentencing, Crookes was ultimately sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on September 9.
Judge Shane Collery KC sentenced him to 13 years and 9 months in prison, plus an extension of five years on licence.
The court condemned his offences as ‘wicked,’ ‘vile,’ and ‘disgusting.’
