DAVID FORREST SENTENCED IN EDENFIELD FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ROSSENDALE VALLEY

In a case that has shocked the local community, David Forrest, a 74-year-old resident of Rawsthorne Avenue in Edenfield, has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of a young boy during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The abuse took place in a private residence within the Rossendale Valley, a region known for its quiet, rural character, but which was marred by this disturbing incident.

Burnley Crown Court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, which was carried out over a period of time and involved manipulation and breach of trust. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was under the age of 10 at the time of the incidents. The court was told that the abuse occurred during visits to a house in the Rossendale Valley, where Forrest exploited the child's vulnerability.

Prosecutor Frances McEntee described one specific incident that was particularly distressing. According to her, the young boy, who is now an adult, was taken into a bathroom by Forrest after he vomited following an unpleasant experience with a Pot Noodle he disliked. It was during this bathroom visit that the court heard the alleged abuse took place. McEntee emphasized that this case was a clear breach of trust, highlighting Forrest’s manipulative behavior.

McEntee explained that Forrest deliberately manipulated situations to isolate the child, taking him into the bathroom when there was no real necessity, with the sole purpose of committing acts of sexual abuse and gross indecency. The court was shown evidence that Forrest undressed in front of the young boy and then coerced him into stripping off his own clothes. The defendant then forced the child to perform sexual acts upon him before ultimately sexually abusing him.

During police interviews, the victim recounted feeling as though he had no choice but to comply when questioned about the abuse. His testimony underscored the coercive nature of Forrest’s actions and the profound impact on his young victim.

Despite denying the charges, Forrest was tried and found guilty of two counts of indecency with a child and two counts of indecent assault on a male. The court’s verdict was reached after a trial, and Forrest was subsequently sentenced to 15 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offender register for a period of 10 years. Notably, no sexual harm prevention order was issued in this case.

The prosecution announced that they would not pursue a retrial concerning allegations involving a female complainant, indicating that the focus remained on the proven charges involving the male victim. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating effects of abuse, even in seemingly quiet communities like Edenfield and the Rossendale Valley.