DAVID DORAN AND LYNN TOVEY FROM COVENTRY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Coventry community, David Doran and his former wife, Lynn Tovey, have been formally sentenced to prison for their heinous treatment of three young children over a period spanning from 2012 to 2017. The abuse inflicted upon these vulnerable children was described as 'appalling' by the court, revealing a pattern of neglect and cruelty that lasted for nearly five years.

According to court reports, the children, all under the age of ten during the time of the abuse, endured a relentless campaign of physical and emotional torment at the hands of Doran and Tovey. The victims were subjected to starvation, with the couple deliberately denying them food and forcing them into their rooms immediately upon returning from school. These children were often left without bedding and confined to their rooms throughout the night, sometimes with no access to the toilet. One particularly harrowing account detailed a child being tied to their bed all night, unable to use the bathroom, highlighting the severity of the neglect.

During the sentencing hearing, detectives emphasized the extent of the abuse, which included physical violence and emotional manipulation. The children were reportedly subjected to physical assaults such as being punched, with one child recalling being hit in the face by Tovey. Another child recounted having his head split open after being pushed into a door frame, and Tovey was also accused of breaking a child's wrist. The emotional abuse was equally severe; children were warned that if they disclosed their suffering, they would be taken into care, which left them too frightened to seek help.

In addition to physical violence, the children endured cruel and degrading treatment during mealtimes. Police reports detailed instances where toast was thrown at the children or forced into their mouths, sometimes laced with salt, cinnamon, or other spices. There were also reports of starvation, with children being denied food altogether. One child was made to sit by the back door in only underwear as a form of punishment, with a broken window allowing cold air to enter, further adding to their suffering. The abuse extended to bathing, where Doran and Tovey reportedly bathed the children in cold water, with one victim describing being held underwater and left struggling to breathe.

Tragically, the abuse was not limited to physical violence. Doran was convicted in October 2022 of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and assault by penetration. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with an additional five-year extended license, and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register. Doran is currently serving his sentence at HMP Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, Lynn Tovey, of Duncroft Avenue, Coundon, was convicted at Warwick Crown Court of nine counts of assault and cruelty. She received a sentence of three years and six months in prison. Both Doran and Tovey’s crimes have left a lasting scar on the community, and their sentences reflect the severity of their actions against the innocent children they were supposed to care for.