THIRSK MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FROM PAST
David Kitching, a resident of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, received a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted of several sexual offenses committed during the 1990s.Following a jury trial, he was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and six counts of gross indecency.
Kitching was only taken into custody after his victim came forward in 2021, more than two decades after the alleged abuse, and chose to report it.
The victim’s wife described the profound emotional impact this revelation had on their family, emphasizing how distressing it was to learn of the abuse.
She shared that her husband, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, became severely depressed and suicidal, often expressing a desire to kill himself to escape the haunting memories.
She recounted, “Listening to my husband say he wanted to kill himself and hurt himself to stop the flashbacks was deeply upsetting.” Throughout the ensuing months, she provided him with emotional support while also working to shield their children and manage household responsibilities.
She further explained that her husband’s trauma was influenced by their son, whom she referred to as a "trigger" for his PTSD.
Despite his conviction, Kitching maintained his innocence, which caused additional distress and accusations of cruelty toward the victim.
As part of his sentencing, he was given an extra one-year license period and will be listed on the sex offender register for life.
