DAVID METCALFE FROM BARTON SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN AND FILMING IN HUMBERTSIDE

In June 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving David Metcalfe, a man with a troubling history linked to the police, who was convicted of heinous crimes against young girls in the Barton area. The court heard that Metcalfe, aged 48, exploited his position and manipulated circumstances to prey on vulnerable victims, engaging in acts of sexual assault and covert filming.

Metcalfe, who had previously worked for Humberside Police as a driver and handyman, used his familiarity with law enforcement to create an illusion of authority. Prosecutor Richard Gioserano revealed to Grimsby Crown Court that Metcalfe would often arrive and depart in a police vehicle, fostering an image of legitimacy that he exploited to gain the trust of young girls and their families. Despite his police employment, his criminal activities were entirely separate from his official duties.

The court was informed that Metcalfe owned a swimming pool in his backyard in Barton, which he deliberately used as a lure to attract young girls. He would offer them services such as spray tans and tattoos, creating opportunities to be alone with his victims. During one such encounter, he committed a sexual assault in his bathroom, raping a girl under the age of 13. The court also heard that he targeted other girls, sometimes giving them money or gifts, and secretly filmed them while they were nude or showering. His actions included attempts to film a girl with his mobile phone, which she noticed and promptly turned off, leading to police investigations.

In total, eight victims were identified in connection with Metcalfe’s crimes, including one adult woman. Police found indecent images of children on his computer when he was arrested in September 2012. The images and videos revealed a pattern of voyeurism and exploitation, with Metcalfe deliberately engineering situations to observe young girls in compromising circumstances. His actions demonstrated a disturbing deviance and a clear pattern of predatory behavior.

Gordon Stables, representing Metcalfe, acknowledged that his client had made full admissions, pleaded guilty, and was considered a low risk of reoffending. Stables emphasized that Metcalfe was remorseful and intended to seek help for his issues during his time in custody, recognizing the need to confront his own shortcomings.

Judge Mark Bury delivered a stern sentence, condemning Metcalfe’s actions as those of a sexual deviant with a specific interest in children. The judge highlighted that Metcalfe’s use of his tanning and tattooing services was a calculated strategy to facilitate his criminal activities, providing him with opportunities to observe and exploit young girls. The judge described the rape as a traumatic event for the victim, with lasting effects, and condemned the betrayal of trust involved in the voyeurism and filming offenses, which had left victims shocked and betrayed.

As part of his sentence, Metcalfe was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and will be subject to an extended license period of five years following his release from prison. The court’s verdict underscores the severity of his crimes and the importance of ongoing monitoring to protect the community from potential reoffending.