DAVID EAST JAILED IN COVENTRY FOR VILE RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL
In January 2010, David East, formerly residing at Broadlands Close, Whoberley, Coventry, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in the horrific rape and sexual abuse of a young girl in Coventry.The court heard that East, aged 44, pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, admitting to raping her twice and sexually assaulting her seven times between 2007 and 2009.
Coventry Crown Court Justice Peter Ross described the offenses as "truly harrowing" and emphasized the impact on the victim and her family.
He stated, "There is no sentence that I can pass which can lessen the anguish you have caused; no sentence that somehow wipes away the terrible harm you have done." The judge condemned East for deliberately turning the girl into an object of his own sexual gratification.
"This has been a most disturbing case to listen to and read about.
You quite deliberately, for your own sexual gratification, turned her into a sex object for your desires," said Judge Ross.
"All I can do is to mark society’s horror at what you have done and imprison you by way of punishment and hope that you seek some help during the course of your sentence." The court was told that East had groomed the girl over a prolonged period, manipulating her to stay silent about his “hideous” and “vile perversion.” East was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was to be barred from having any unsupervised contact with minors under 16 after his release.
As the victim’s family sat crying in the public gallery, prosecutor Mark Knowles explained the case details.
He revealed that the offenses came to light in September of the previous year when the girl confided in her upset mother about the abuse.
Subsequently, East’s father took him directly to a police station, where he confessed to various acts including kissing, touching, oral sex, and full intercourse.
During his confession, East reportedly told the victim that he "could teach her a few things." Defense lawyer Richard Murray acknowledged the gravity of the case, describing it as “very difficult and disturbing,” and noted that East was “disgraced” and “guilt-ridden” about his actions.
While the court initially imposed a total sentence of 46 years for the nine offenses, the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
East was to serve a maximum of eight years, with eligibility for parole after four years, minus the time already spent in custody on remand.
