DAVID HARRIS FROM EASTLEIGH JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AND CHILD ABUSE IN NEW FOREST

In March 2009, a disturbing case emerged involving David Harris, a man from Eastleigh, who was convicted of serious sexual offences and misconduct involving minors in the New Forest area. Harris, aged 56, was found to have engaged in a series of inappropriate and illegal activities that have shocked the local community and prompted a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.

According to court proceedings, Harris was a part-time referee with approximately 30 years of experience officiating in both junior and senior football matches. Despite his involvement in sports, his reputation was marred by allegations of exploitation and abuse. The case came to light after police questioned him about photographs found on his computer, which contained images of two teenage girls engaged in naked food fights within the New Forest. Harris claimed that he did not know the identities of the girls and insisted that they had volunteered to participate in these activities, which he documented for monetary compensation—£5, £10, or £15 per session.

The court heard that Harris admitted to possessing some posed photographs of the two girls, which he had taken approximately three to four years prior. Prosecutor Andy Houston revealed that Harris maintained he was unaware of their identities and that the girls had initially agreed to the activities after persistently asking him for a bag of chips, which he used as a form of coercion or incentive. Harris’s account suggested that the girls willingly traveled to the New Forest, stripped down, and engaged in food fights, with Harris paying them for their participation.

However, the situation took a darker turn when police traced the identities of the girls involved. The older girl subsequently made serious allegations, accusing Harris of molesting her. These allegations, coupled with the evidence gathered, painted a disturbing picture of systematic abuse. Harris’s background as a referee did little to mitigate the severity of his actions, which the court described as a breach of trust and a pattern of systematic exploitation.

Harris faced multiple charges, including ten counts of sexual offences. He pleaded guilty to these charges and also asked for seven additional charges related to possessing indecent photographs to be considered by the court. The judge, Peter Ralls, QC, condemned Harris’s conduct, emphasizing the breach of trust involved and the systematic nature of the abuse.

In mitigation, Harris’s legal representative, Ryan Seneviratne, explained that Harris had become lonely after losing his partner and that his actions stemmed from an unhealthy interest in one of the girls. Seneviratne acknowledged that Harris’s behavior had escalated from touching to more serious offences, driven by a desire for increased sexual gratification. The court was told that Harris fully accepted the seriousness of his actions and recognized the heavy penalty he faced.

As a result of his convictions, Harris was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register and disqualified from working with children, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from further harm. Harris’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the devastating impact of abuse by those entrusted with authority and respect.