MAN JAILED AFTER STREET SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND HIDING IN WHEELIE BIN
Update 24/06/2026: Convicted sex offender has been sent back to prison after violating a court order by approaching two minors.David Harcombe was subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued in August 2023, which forbade him from contacting anyone under the age of 16.
He broke this order twice in July 2025, when he approached two girls in public places.
On July 17, police were alerted after a young girl was reportedly approached by a man in a van in Forest Town, Mansfield.
Witnesses helped the girl after she knocked on several doors seeking assistance following the incident.
A second report emerged on July 29, also in Forest Town, where another girl claimed she was approached by a man.
Harcombe was identified as a suspect through police investigation and detained following inquiries by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit.
The 42-year-old, who is currently at HMP Nottingham, admitted to breaching the SHPO on two counts.
During a court hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, June 22, he received a five-year prison sentence.
The existing SHPO remains in effect, and Harcombe is also subject to indefinite retraining orders to safeguard the victims.
Additionally, he is required to register with police on an ongoing basis.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, a local man named David Harcombe was convicted and sentenced to prison for his involvement in two separate sexual assault incidents targeting teenage girls.
The incidents, which occurred in May 2023, have left the community shaken and have prompted a strong response from law enforcement authorities.
On the evening of May 7, 2023, at approximately 8:30 pm, Harcombe followed a teenage girl as she was walking away from Nuncargate Park.
The situation escalated when he physically grabbed her in the street, an act that caused significant distress to the young victim.
The assault was reported to the police after the girl confided in a work colleague about the frightening encounter.
This report prompted an immediate investigation by Nottinghamshire Police.
Adding to the gravity of the case, it was revealed that Harcombe was involved in another sexual assault just six days prior, also in Nuncargate Park.
In that incident, he followed and grabbed another teenage girl, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior.
The victims' accounts, combined with CCTV footage, played a crucial role in building the case against Harcombe.
Despite initially denying the allegations during police interviews, investigators were able to establish his guilt through surveillance evidence and witness statements.
Harcombe, who resides on Seagrave Avenue in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was taken into custody following the incidents.
His arrest led to his appearance at Nottingham Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault.
During the sentencing hearing held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, the court sentenced him to two years in prison.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of his actions and the impact on the victims.
Detective Constable Harry Glass of Nottinghamshire Police expressed his concerns and commendation for the victims' bravery.
He stated, “Both incidents were extremely distressing for the victims who were simply walking down the street when they were followed and grabbed by Harcombe.
I’d like to thank them for their bravery in helping to identify their attacker and bring him to justice.” He further reassured the community, saying, “I hope the community is reassured by our thorough investigation into the two incidents which has led to this sentence being handed down.
The sentence should also serve as a warning to others about the consequences of this kind of offending; we will track you down and do whatever it takes to see you put behind bars.”
