DAVID HOPLA OF PORTH SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE CITY

In February 2011, David Neil Hopla, a 40-year-old resident of Tuberville Road, Porth, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults committed against two young girls. Hopla, who is an alcoholic, denied all ten allegations of sexual misconduct spanning from April 1995 to December 2009. However, a jury comprised of seven men and five women found him guilty of five counts of sexual assault against one girl, now in her twenties, covering the period between August 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. Additionally, they convicted him on three counts of indecent assault involving another girl, committed between April 23, 1995, and April 22, 1999. The jury was instructed by the judge to return not guilty verdicts on two other counts of indecent assault involving the older girl, relating to the period from April 23, 1994, to April 22, 1996. The identities of the victims are protected due to legal restrictions. During the trial, Alexander Greenwood, representing Hopla, highlighted that his client's primary mitigation was a lack of prior criminal history. Mr. Greenwood stated, "He has a very, very significant drink problem," and added that during the first day of the trial, Hopla arrived at court intoxicated after being summoned by a court order. He described the offenses as "opportunistic conduct whilst under the influence of alcohol." The court heard that the crimes only came to light after the younger girl shared her experience with her new boyfriend. Though initially denying any abuse when questioned by a family member, she eventually disclosed the full details of her ordeal with Hopla. This revelation prompted an investigation, which led to another girl coming forward with similar allegations and describing how Hopla had bribed her with money and gifts to keep quiet. She recounted that Hopla had touched her inappropriately and had bribed her with £100, chocolates, and a toy when she refused to participate in further abuse. She explained, "He touched me down below with his hands... I’ve blocked it out of my mind," and described how he had once suggested they "play together," but when she refused, he panicked and bribed her to stay silent. Describing the last encounter, she said Hopla handed her money and gifts, claiming, "He said that he wanted to prepare me for when I was older with boys," and expressed her outrage: "For what he did... he should be punished." The younger victim, still a teenager, gave similar accounts of abuse during the trial. Hopla will serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, he was subject to a sexual offences prevention order.