DAVID HILL OF TORQUAY CONVICTED OF SEXUAL OFFENCES AT DINO WORLD
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Torquay, the owner of the well-known children’s attraction Dinosaur World has been found guilty of serious sexual offences.The incident has led to the closure of the popular harbourside venue, which has been a staple of the area since its opening in 2010.
David Hill, aged 54, who managed Dinosaur World and later took over ownership through a management buyout in 2015, was convicted after a series of police investigations uncovered disturbing evidence.
The attraction, situated next to Torquay’s inner harbour, had been a favorite destination for families and children interested in dinosaurs and fossils.
However, the community’s trust was shattered when Hill’s criminal activities came to light.
In August 2019, police executed raids on Hill’s residence on Pilmuir Avenue in Torquay, as well as his office, seizing multiple electronic devices.
The subsequent analysis revealed hundreds of highly disturbing images and videos.
Among these were 31 images classified as Category A, depicting children being sexually abused by adults, and numerous videos showing acts of sadism and extreme abuse involving women and children.
The police investigation uncovered a total of 314 videos, some of which depicted adult women engaging in bestiality with dogs or horses, or having their breasts pierced with hypodermic needles or nails.
Following the investigation, Hill was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face justice.
During the proceedings, Judge Timothy Rose described the offences as extremely serious, emphasizing that the crimes were committed over an extended period and that Hill actively sought out such illicit material.
The judge sentenced Hill to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which grants authorities the ability to monitor his internet activity for the same duration.
In addition to the legal restrictions, Hill was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete a 40-day sex offenders’ rehabilitation course and pay costs amounting to £425.
The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offences and the community’s need for ongoing protection from individuals involved in such heinous crimes.
Following his conviction, Hill resigned from his position as a member of the English Riviera Attractions organisation, and Dinosaur World was officially closed.
Carolyn Custerson, the CEO of the English Riviera BID, confirmed that Hill had informed the group of the closure and his resignation, marking the end of his association with the local tourism and attractions sector.
The community and business leaders continue to grapple with the implications of this case, which has cast a long shadow over the reputation of the area’s family-friendly attractions.
