DAVID FELTON FROM KINVER SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Kinver and the wider Staffordshire area, David Felton, a 65-year-old resident of Edge View Walk in Kinver, has been handed down a severe prison sentence of 11 years for heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The sentencing took place on June 12 at Stafford Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the abuse that spanned over a year, from May 2016 to May 2017.

Judge John Wait, presiding over the case, described the offences as a grave breach of trust, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the crimes. He stated, “These were repeated offences against a child who was particularly vulnerable. There are elements of grooming aggravated by you threatening her to keep silent.” The judge’s remarks underscored the calculated and manipulative tactics Felton employed to silence his young victim.

Felton was convicted on three counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, following a three-day trial that revealed the extent of his misconduct. The court was told that the victim, an 11-year-old girl, had initially become distressed in early May 2017, complaining of feeling unwell with symptoms including sickness and a headache. During her distress, she confided in a relative that she had been assaulted by a man, which led to a highly emotional response. Witnesses described her as being “shaking, in floods of tears and clinging” to her family member.

The young girl further revealed that the man had threatened her with death if she disclosed the abuse, a chilling detail that highlighted the manipulative and intimidating tactics used by Felton. Following her disclosure, police were promptly contacted, and the girl was taken for an interview by the Force’s Safeguarding and Investigations team. During the interview, she recounted that Felton had touched her inappropriately and that she had tried to shout stop, but he continued regardless.

Felton was arrested on the same day as the police interview. During subsequent questioning, he denied any wrongdoing. The girl later disclosed that the assaults had occurred three or four times and that they had begun when she was just 11 years old. The case has brought to light the disturbing reality of grooming and abuse within seemingly ordinary communities, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protective measures for vulnerable children in Kinver and beyond.

As part of his sentence, Felton will also be added to the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are regarded and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from predators lurking within communities.