DAVID MCVICKER FROM BRIXHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN EXETER

In January 2022, a disturbing case emerged from Brixham involving a man named David McVicker, aged 60, who was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The incident came to light after the victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, prompting police intervention and a subsequent investigation that revealed multiple assaults carried out by McVicker.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, it was established that McVicker had subjected the girl to a series of sexual assaults on numerous occasions. Despite his denial of six separate allegations involving a child under the age of 13, the jury convicted him on all counts earlier in the month. The severity of the crimes was underscored by the court proceedings, which highlighted the repeated nature of the abuse and the profound impact it had on the young victim.

On Friday, January 21, McVicker appeared before Judge Timothy Rose, who sentenced him to a term of 10 years in prison. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating, "You did it, you kept doing it and you abused the victim on repeated occasions." The court heard that the emotional trauma inflicted on the girl was significant, with her mother providing a victim statement that detailed the lasting psychological scars left by the abuse.

In mitigation, Heather Hope, representing McVicker, noted that he had dedicated much of his life to his work as an engineer and expressed surprise and regret over his current situation. She remarked that this was McVicker’s first experience of custody and acknowledged the difficulties he faced during his time on remand, especially given his age.

Furthermore, Judge Rose ordered McVicker to be placed on the sex offenders register and to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes. The judge made it clear that the sentence was designed to reflect the gravity of the offenses, stating, "You have committed serious offences of an extremely serious character, and the sentence has to reflect that."

Under the terms of his sentence, McVicker is required to serve at least two-thirds of his 10-year term before being eligible for release, ensuring that justice is served and that appropriate measures are taken to protect the community from further harm.