DAVID SANTI FROM ANDOVER SENTENCED FOR REPEATEDLY ABDUCTING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY

In July 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving David Santi, a 27-year-old resident of Genoa Court in Andover, who was convicted of multiple serious offenses related to a young girl. Santi was sentenced to two years in prison at Winchester Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to five counts of abducting a minor, a crime that involved unlawfully taking a 14-year-old girl without her parents' consent and holding her against her will.

Prosecutor Simon Edwards provided detailed testimony, revealing that Santi had established a relationship with the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. The situation came to light when the girl was reported missing by her parents last October. Authorities located her at Santi’s residence, which led to his arrest and subsequent charges. These charges included abducting a child, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a minor, and failing to notify police of a change of address as required by law for registered sex offenders.

Following his initial conviction, Santi was sentenced on December 21 to a one-year suspended sentence, meaning he would not serve time immediately but was required to sign the sex offenders’ register. However, just a week after this sentence, the girl’s mother discovered photographs showing her daughter and Santi sharing a kiss, raising serious concerns about ongoing contact between the two.

Prosecutor Edwards emphasized that despite the suspended sentence, Santi continued to maintain contact with the girl. The situation escalated in March when Santi was arrested after driving the girl from her home. During police interviews, Santi admitted to maintaining communication with her, giving her gifts, and taking her on trips in February and March, further demonstrating his persistent involvement.

Defense lawyer Russell Pyne attempted to mitigate Santi’s actions by claiming that Santi was infatuated with the girl and that she was equally interested in him. Pyne argued that she had resumed contact within a week of being ordered not to, and that their relationship was consensual from her perspective, stating, “She was just as content to be with him as he was with her.”

However, Judge Patrick Hooton was unequivocal in his judgment. He pointed out that Santi was clearly aware he was in breach of his suspended sentence and stated, “You certainly knew you were in breach of your suspended sentence, and I can find no reason not to activate it. You just couldn’t stop.” The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of Santi’s repeated violations and the danger posed by his actions, leading to his imprisonment for a period of two years.