DAVID DRAKE FROM SOUTH LONDON JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN DEREHAM AND NORFOLK

In a case that has shocked the community, David Drake, a man with deep ties to South London, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over several decades. The 73-year-old, who was residing in retirement in Dereham, Norfolk at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to abusing eight children, ranging in age from as young as three to 13 years old. His crimes spanned a period that began in the 1950s, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for more than four decades.

Drake’s position as a trusted churchwarden and communion steward at a South London church provided him with access to vulnerable children, whom he exploited for his own gratification. The court heard that his victims included seven girls and one boy, all of whom suffered severe trauma as a result of his actions. Judge Graham Boal QC described Drake as “depraved,” emphasizing that he had systematically groomed his victims to facilitate his abuse. The judge condemned his actions as morally repugnant, stating that they would cause revulsion in almost all right-thinking individuals.

Sentencing Drake, Judge Boal detailed the extent of his misconduct, noting that the abuse took place in various locations including the church premises, Drake’s own home, his car, and his garage. One particularly disturbing case involved a girl who was regularly assaulted by Drake between the ages of eight and 13. The court revealed that Drake raped her in a dark garage, took photographs of her, and attempted to carry out a serious sexual act at his residence. The girl was so traumatized by these experiences that she developed behavioral issues and was eventually sent to a boarding school to escape her torment.

Another victim, a boy, was subjected to Drake’s abuse over a three-year period starting when he was just 10 years old. The youngest victim, who still suffers from nightmares related to the abuse, was believed to be only three years old at the time of her assault. A different girl, aged four, was also sexually assaulted by Drake, who showed her magazines containing images of paedophiles abusing children, further illustrating his predatory nature.

Historical records show that Drake was first caught by police in 1975, when he was convicted of gross indecency with a child under 14, indecent assault on a 13-year-old, and indecent exposure. Despite receiving a probation order and a fine, he continued his abusive behavior until 1994. His criminal activities persisted unnoticed for many years until he was finally arrested again in July of the previous year at his home in Dereham. During his recent court appearance, Drake pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, indecency against a child, two counts of attempting a serious sexual act, and nine counts of indecent assault.

As part of his sentence, Drake will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case underscores the long history of abuse and the devastating impact on the victims, highlighting the importance of justice and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like David Drake.