DEIGHTON SEX OFFENDER DAVID PHELAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR IN LEEDS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Deighton community, David Phelan, a 47-year-old man from Whitacre Close in Deighton, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses. The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court, where Judge Peter Hunt described Phelan as a “predatory sex offender,” emphasizing the dangerous nature of his conduct and the ongoing threat he poses to the public, especially to children.

Police investigations into Phelan’s activities were initiated in 2012, following a courageous report from a 12-year-old girl who had been subjected to sexual offenses by him some years earlier. During the investigation, authorities discovered indecent images of children stored on computers at Phelan’s residence. The presence of these images was particularly alarming because it indicated that his sexual interest in minors had persisted over a significant period of time. Judge Hunt noted that the discovery of such images at that particular time was a clear sign of his ongoing obsession and compulsive behavior related to child sexual abuse.

In his detailed sentencing remarks, Judge Hunt warned against casually labeling individuals as paedophiles, but in Phelan’s case, he stated that his persistent interest in child sexual exploitation and his attempts to perpetrate such acts should be regarded with utmost seriousness. The judge highlighted that Phelan’s conduct demonstrated a clear danger to the community, with children being at serious risk of future harm from him.

David Phelan was found guilty by a jury on multiple charges, including six counts of attempted rape, six counts of voyeurism, one count of sexual assault, and 17 counts of possessing indecent or prohibited images. The court sentenced him to 12 years in prison, with an additional six years on extended license. Furthermore, Phelan was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses.

Prosecutor Andrew Kershaw provided details of the offenses against the young girl, revealing that the abuse occurred during her visits to Phelan’s home. He described how Phelan had rubbed her chest over her clothing, shown her pornographic films, and eventually attempted to engage in sexual activity with her. Phelan also threatened her, warning her not to tell her mother or he would claim she had been misbehaving. The prosecutor further explained that Phelan paid for top-ups on her phone in exchange for topless pictures and sent her explicit text messages, promising to buy her a Blackberry. These actions were characterized by the judge as grooming behavior, aimed at manipulating and controlling the young girl.

When the girl finally found the courage to disclose the abuse, authorities uncovered more disturbing evidence. On Phelan’s computers, images of other children were discovered, along with secretly filmed footage of him touching a woman who was unaware of his actions. The case revealed a pattern of manipulative and predatory behavior, underscoring the danger Phelan represents.

Representing Phelan, Robin Frieze argued that he had no prior history of sex offending and suggested that a combination of safeguards, including registration, along with a determinate sentence, would be sufficient to protect the public. However, the court’s decision to impose a 12-year sentence with extended license reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the ongoing threat Phelan poses to society.