DAVID JEHAN SENTENCED IN OLDBROOK FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN NORTHAMPTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Oldbrook and the wider Northampton area, David Jehan, a 57-year-old long-distance lorry driver, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for his involvement in a systematic campaign of sexual assault against a teenage girl. The disturbing details of the case emerged during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court, revealing a pattern of abuse that spanned over two years.

According to the prosecution, Rebecca Crane, the court's representative, explained that the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, initially disclosed the assaults in 2004. However, she later retracted her allegations, leading to a period of silence. It was only in August of the previous year that she decided to come forward once again, reporting the abuse to the police and initiating a formal investigation into Jehan's actions.

The court was informed that Jehan would regularly assault the girl in Northampton, with the assaults occurring on a weekly basis at times, interspersed with periods of no contact. The judge, Charles Wide QC, emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, "You pleaded guilty on the express basis your pleas represent a course of conduct over about two years, sometimes weekly, interspersed with periods of no sex. The impact on a girl of that age is a matter too well known to be repeated; the effect this can have on the ability to form relationships in future years with confused feelings means these are terribly serious offences."

Jehan admitted to two specific charges of rape in April, which led to his sentencing of ten years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and was prohibited from working with children, reflecting the court's concern for public safety.

The court also took into account Jehan's criminal history, noting that he had previously served a three-year sentence in October 1984 for attempted murder and attempted escape. The attempted murder charge involved a partner who was having an affair, and the case had carried the potential for a life sentence. However, Judge Wide pointed out that over twenty years had passed since those offences, which influenced the decision to impose a fixed-term sentence this time.

Defense lawyer Richard Holloway expressed remorse on behalf of Jehan, stating that his client was beginning to come to terms with the damage caused. Holloway highlighted that Jehan's guilty plea was a significant factor in the sentencing, suggesting that it demonstrated some level of remorse and acceptance of responsibility. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Oldbrook and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes.