DANIEL ANTHONY ELKINS AND DAVID ELKINS SHOCK WINCHESTER WITH DECADES-OLD CHILD SEX ABUSE CASES

In a harrowing case that has shaken the community of Winchester, two brothers, David and Anthony Elkins, have been convicted and sentenced for a series of child sex abuse offenses that spanned over several decades, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s. The lengthy legal proceedings revealed the extent of their crimes, which left lasting scars on their victims and prompted a wave of emotional testimonies during the trial.

David Elkins, aged 60 and residing on Battery Hill in Winchester, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of abusing three young girls. The court heard that Elkins, a former bus driver, had targeted girls as young as four years old. His grooming tactics included taking pornographic photographs of his victims and using gifts such as sweets and money to buy their silence. The judge described his actions as both manipulative and cruel, emphasizing the profound impact on the victims’ lives.

Anthony Elkins, aged 69 and living on St Catherine’s Road in Winchester, received a two-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a girl between the ages of 13 and 14. This assault was identified as the initial abuse that was followed by years of further attacks by his brother David. The court heard that the girl had made allegations against six Elkins brothers, with three of them being acquitted and another having died before the trial could proceed. The case took a dramatic turn when Anthony Elkins suffered a panic attack while in the courtroom dock, necessitating his removal by five security guards and treatment by paramedics. He was later observed watching the proceedings from the press bench.

Throughout the trial, the court was presented with emotional testimonies from victims who described how the abuse had devastated their lives, leading some to attempt suicide, develop addictions, or suffer from mental health issues and self-harm. The judge, Susan Evans QC, condemned the acts as “cruel and brutal,” highlighting the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon the victims. She also noted that David Elkins, who was in his mid-20s during some of the assaults, had attacked a schoolgirl while a brother guarded the door, further illustrating the severity of his misconduct.

Legal representatives for David Elkins argued for leniency, citing his poor health and his reputation as a “hard-working” individual who cares for his sick wife. Despite these pleas, the judge emphasized that the victims would likely never be able to put their suffering behind them. Both brothers will be registered as sex offenders and will serve half of their sentences before being released on license, in accordance with the legal guidelines applicable at the time of their offenses.

It was also revealed that David and Anthony Elkins are two of fifteen siblings. Other family members, including Michael Elkins, Richard Elkins, Derek Elkins, and Stewart Elkins, faced various allegations or were involved in the case, with some being acquitted and Stewart Elkins having died in August. The court proceedings drew significant public attention, with many in the gallery including friends of the victims and relatives of the accused, and security measures were heightened to ensure order during the verdicts.

Both men are scheduled for sentencing on November 20, with David Elkins remanded in custody and Anthony Elkins released on conditional bail. The case has left a lasting impact on the Winchester community, shedding light on the dark history of abuse within a seemingly ordinary family and highlighting the importance of justice for the victims involved.