HORLEY EX-COUNCILLOR DAVID JACKSON SENTENCED TO SIX AND A HALF YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN GUILDFORD

In a significant development from Guildford Crown Court, David Jackson, a former councillor from Horley, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual assault offences. The verdict was delivered on November 14, following an extensive eight-day trial that uncovered disturbing details about his criminal conduct.

According to a statement issued by Surrey Police, Jackson, aged 58, was found guilty of four counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by touching her inappropriately. In addition, he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault involving a girl under the age of 14. These allegations spanned over a period of 14 years, during which Jackson exploited the vulnerability of his young victims, who were unable to comprehend the gravity of his actions at the time.

It is noteworthy that Jackson had previously faced similar charges. In March, he was convicted of two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and two counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, following a six-day trial. However, after the initial verdict, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to pursue a retrial for the remaining two offences, which led to the recent conviction and sentencing.

During the trial, it was revealed that Jackson’s offending occurred over a span of more than a decade and a half. The court heard how he targeted victims who were particularly vulnerable, taking advantage of their innocence and lack of understanding about what was happening to them. The severity of his crimes and the prolonged period over which they occurred contributed to the substantial prison sentence handed down.

Remarkably, despite being under investigation and on bail, Jackson was appointed deputy mayor for Horley town. His political career was effectively ended when he resigned from his position as a councillor following his initial conviction in March of this year. The case has drawn significant attention to issues of abuse of power and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from exploitation by those in positions of authority.