DAVID PAYNE SHOCKS WEYMOUTH AND CHIPPEHAM WITH ESCAPE FROM SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY

In January 2010, the quiet seaside town of Weymouth was rocked by the sudden disappearance of David Payne, a convicted sex offender with a disturbing history of crimes against young girls. Payne, a 64-year-old former children’s entertainer, had been residing in a flat on Great George Street, a location that residents believed was a peaceful and family-friendly area. However, his presence in the community had already sparked concern among local families and neighbors.

According to reports, Payne abruptly fled his residence in Weymouth after mounting public outrage and fear about his proximity to children and the town’s reputation as a safe family resort. Witnesses described how Payne quickly gathered his belongings and made a swift exit from his flat, refusing to engage with reporters or neighbors as he hurried toward a waiting vehicle. The incident occurred amidst growing anxiety about his presence in the town, especially given the restrictions placed on him due to his past offenses.

Neighbors expressed their shock and dismay upon learning that Payne had been living among them. Rob McDonald, a 41-year-old father of two who resides on Great George Street, voiced his outrage: “It’s outrageous that he was living here. No-one had a clue that someone like that was here. We should have been told. I’ve got kids myself, and it’s shocking to think a man like that was living in our street.”

Similarly, a local student, 16-year-old Jack Lonergan, who was visiting family in the area, commented on the situation: “It may be that he poses no threat, but I think Weymouth is the wrong place for him. There’s children walking around half-naked on the beach in the summer. Families feel safe here.”

Other residents, including an unnamed woman living next door to Payne’s flat, expressed their concerns about the appropriateness of his presence in the community. She remarked, “I wasn’t aware of any kids living in the street; there are a lot of bedsits around here. But it still doesn’t seem right for a man like that. If it’s true he’s not allowed near beaches, this is totally inappropriate.”

Grandmother Gloria Doherty, aged 62, who lives nearby, voiced her fears about the impact on the town’s economy and safety: “It’s beyond belief. Not only is he a danger to children, but this could ruin the economy of our town, which relies heavily on tourism. My grandchildren are coming down at half-term, but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having them here with this man around. If it were up to me, I’d put him in a boat in the middle of the Atlantic.”

Local father Brent Stone, aged 37, expressed his concern: “I would be tempted to say something to him if I saw him in the street. He should leave town for his own safety.”

Meanwhile, former Weymouth resident Dian Broadley, contemplating a return to the town to start a new business, shared her horror: “With all the stories I’ve read about drunks and druggies, and now this, I am seriously considering whether to come back at all. I’m absolutely horrified.”

In response, a Dorset Police spokesperson emphasized that public safety remains their top priority. They confirmed that David Payne is registered as a sex offender and is subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), which involve coordinated efforts between police, probation, and prison services to manage high-risk offenders. The police assured the public that Payne is being monitored and that any restrictions, such as bans from beaches, are still in effect, although officials indicated that such restrictions might no longer be active. The Probation Service stated that Payne had been adequately risk-assessed and monitored, and no breaches of his conditions had been reported. They reaffirmed their commitment to managing offenders effectively through continuous assessment and supervision, with mechanisms in place to recall offenders to custody if necessary.