DAVID WATERS FROM ILLAGON AND TORQUAY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

In July 2023, David Waters, a man originally from Illogan near Redruth, now residing in the Torquay area of Devon, was sentenced after pleading guilty to a serious sexual assault incident involving a teenage girl. The case, which was heard at Truro Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about the events that took place in July 2022, highlighting the gravity of the offense and its profound impact on the victim.

According to the prosecution, led by Rachel Drake, Waters and the victim had spent the evening socialising together. The young girl, who was 19 at the time, found herself without a means of transportation to return home. Waters, showing a degree of concern, offered her a lift, which was arranged to be with his uncle. The plan was for the girl to be taken as far as Waters’ residence, where she would stay for the night. It was agreed that she would sleep in Waters’ bed while he would sleep elsewhere in the house.

However, the situation took a disturbing turn. Ms. Drake explained that Waters did not adhere to the initial arrangement. Instead of sleeping separately, he got into bed with the girl. She managed to drift into sleep, but her rest was abruptly interrupted at around 5 a.m. when Waters began molesting her. The court heard that Waters touched her stomach, breasts, and private areas, and attempted to forcibly remove her shorts and underwear. The victim could feel his genitals against her and was subjected to Waters pleasuring himself while touching her.

Throughout the assault, the girl was so frightened that she chose to feign sleep, fearing that any resistance might lead to a more severe attack. Once Waters finished, he was observed to pick up his iPad and continue scrolling, seemingly indifferent to the trauma inflicted. The following day, communication between Waters and the victim included messages where Waters asked her out. She declined and confronted him about the previous night’s events. Waters responded that he had no recollection of what had happened.

Forensic evidence confirmed the victim’s account. A subsequent examination revealed Waters’ semen on her clothing, indicating that he had masturbated over her during the assault. The victim’s statement was emotionally charged, describing how the ordeal has left her battling self-harm, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Despite taking medication, she continues to experience panic attacks, illustrating the lasting psychological scars caused by Waters’ actions.

During sentencing, Recorder Andrew Oldland, QC, addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of the crime. He pointed out that the victim was only 19 years old at the time and that Waters had taken advantage of her trust. The judge noted that Waters had offered her a place to stay after a night out, and she had entered his home fully clothed, expecting to sleep peacefully. Instead, she awoke to find Waters sexually assaulting her, an act that left her terrified and forced to pretend to be asleep to avoid further harm.

Recorder Oldland described the incident as devastating for the victim, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it has taken on her. In light of the circumstances and Waters’ guilty plea, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Waters is required to complete a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, sign the sex offenders’ register, undertake 150 hours of unpaid community service, and pay court costs amounting to £750.