DAVID SEWELL OF GRANTHAM SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND RAPE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Grantham, David Sewell, aged 37, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years, with an additional seven years on extended licence, after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offences committed over a decade. Sewell, who has long been involved in various roles working with children, was found guilty of a total of 49 separate offences, including five counts of rape, sexual assault, sexual touching, voyeurism, and possession of indecent images of children.

These disturbing acts took place between April 2004 and July 2013, with victims ranging in age from just 10 to 15 years old. The most severe of these offences involved a young boy aged 11, who was raped by Sewell. The investigation was initiated after one victim bravely approached law enforcement authorities, prompting a thorough inquiry. When police confronted Sewell, he did not deny his actions but instead confessed to all charges, revealing the extent of his misconduct.

During the court proceedings at Lincoln Crown Court, it was revealed that Sewell had been a dedicated member of the Scout movement for over 20 years, having served as a Scout leader since the age of 17. His involvement in the community extended beyond scouting, as he also worked in a local council planning department during the late 1990s, where he was responsible for overseeing play schemes and after-school clubs. Despite his trusted positions, Sewell’s criminal activities cast a dark shadow over his reputation.

The court also learned that Sewell possessed a staggering total of 342 indecent images of children, further illustrating the depth of his depravity. His actions not only betrayed the trust placed in him by the families of his victims but also posed a significant threat to the safety of children in the community. Judge Michael Heath, who presided over the case, sentenced Sewell to 18 years in prison, with an additional seven years on extended licence, and ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Heath stated, “For your sexual gratification over a ten-year period, you systematically and gratuitously abused no fewer than nine boys in a sordid and disturbing manner. You met these boys in your capacity as a Scout master. Their parents trusted you with their sons, and you gravely breached that trust by committing so many offences of such quality and quantity.” The judge emphasized the danger Sewell posed, describing him as a “dangerous” individual with a “significant risk to young boys of serious harm.”

He also expressed disappointment that Sewell’s behavior could tarnish the reputation of the wider Scout movement, which is known for its good safeguarding practices. Sewell was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

In mitigation, Sewell’s legal representatives acknowledged his remorse, with one stating, “This defendant has demonstrated remorse which can be said to be genuine. His words are there’s no mitigation for what he has done. No excuse.”

Following the sentencing, Rick Hatton, Detective Superintendent and head of public protection for Lincolnshire Police, commented on the case, highlighting the manipulative nature of Sewell’s offending pattern. He explained that Sewell would identify boys of a certain age, befriend them, and then gain the trust of their families, all while selecting his next victims. Detective Hatton expressed relief that the victims had found some closure and praised their bravery in coming forward.

He further emphasized that while the Scout organization is generally well-regarded for its safeguarding measures, Sewell’s ability to operate within such environments demonstrated a disturbing level of manipulation. “He’s put himself in a position where he’s working with children in a variety of places,” Hatton said. “Sewell is a very dangerous predatory paedophile, and his crimes have had a profound and lasting impact on several young people’s lives.”

The police official also urged anyone who might have been victimized by Sewell but had not yet come forward to contact authorities, quoting incident 169 of November 29 when calling 101. Lincolnshire Police and social services have committed to supporting the victims and their families throughout their recovery process, reaffirming their dedication to safeguarding children and preventing future abuse.