DAVID EASTWICK OF SHELTON LOCK JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN DERBYSHIRE AND ILKESTON

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, David Eastwick, a man from Shelton Lock, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three children over a span of nearly three decades. The offences, which came to light earlier this year, involved two boys and a girl, with the crimes dating back as far as 1976 and continuing until 2004.

Eastwick, who held the position of chairman at the Ilkeston and Kimberley Sub-Aqua Club during the time of the abuse, resigned immediately after the allegations surfaced. The court was informed that none of the abuse was carried out in his official capacity as a prominent member of the club, and the club's acting chairman, Chris Brown-Needham, expressed their shock at the revelations. Brown-Needham clarified that Eastwick had resigned before any allegations were made public and that he was not involved in the training or instruction at the club, which enforces strict CRB checks on all its instructors.

The court proceedings revealed that Eastwick’s first known victim, a boy, had come forward in the 1980s at the age of 15. However, after a police investigation at that time, no charges were filed. It was also disclosed that Eastwick had already begun abusing a girl during this period. Approximately 15 years later, he targeted a third child, another boy, continuing his pattern of abuse.

Prosecutor Grace Hale detailed the nature of the crimes, including an incident where Eastwick sexually assaulted one of his victims in a swimming pool. The 65-year-old was formally charged with offences involving all three victims earlier this year. The court heard that the abuse occurred over a period spanning from 1976 to 2004, with the victims aged between seven and 14 at the time.

Miss Hale emphasized the lasting impact of Eastwick’s actions, stating that the first victim told police he felt that his childhood had been irreparably damaged by the abuse, leaving him feeling dirty and ashamed. She also revealed that Eastwick had told his second victim that the abuse was a secret, which contributed to her ongoing difficulties in forming relationships with men. The third victim confided in his mother about the abuse in January of this year, prompting her to contact the police. This revelation led to the uncovering of the other two cases.

Following the disclosure, Eastwick, who resides on Carlton Avenue, took a drastic step by ingesting 20 Paracetamol tablets and was subsequently admitted to hospital. During questioning, he confided in a nurse about his predicament, which led to his arrest by police authorities.

At the sentencing hearing, Eastwick admitted to ten counts of indecent assault and eight counts of indecency with a child. In mitigation, his legal representative, James Cleary, described him as “a broken man” who fully recognizes the gravity of his actions. Cleary also acknowledged that Eastwick would need to cooperate with any sexual offenders’ programmes available during his time in prison.

As part of his sentence, Eastwick was ordered to register as a sex offender and was given a lifetime ban from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the protection of potential future victims.