DAVY NICHOLLS FROM WESTCLIFF SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Westcliff, a local man named Davy Nicholls has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 15 years after being convicted of multiple serious sex offences involving minors. The 52-year-old resident of Manor Road was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children, engaging in sexual activities with a child under the age of 13, and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, among other charges.

The investigation into Nicholls' activities was initiated in November 2014 after a vigilant member of the public visited his bric-a-brac shop located on London Road. During her visit, she noticed suspicious images displayed on his laptop, which was open on the shop’s serving desk. Concerned by what she saw, she promptly contacted the police authorities. This tip-off proved crucial in uncovering a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior.

Following the report, Essex Police’s Online Investigation Team launched a detailed inquiry. Their efforts uncovered a substantial collection of indecent images stored on devices at the shop, including a camera and a computer. The investigation revealed that Nicholls had been involved in the exploitation of a young girl, adding a deeply troubling dimension to the case.

Further legal proceedings established that Nicholls was responsible for three counts of sexual activity with a child under 13, as well as charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of minors. He also faced an additional charge for breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The defendant did not contest these charges and pleaded guilty to all of them in court.

It was also disclosed during the court proceedings that Nicholls had a prior conviction from 2008, where he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and possessing indecent images. He was released on licence before completing his full sentence, raising concerns about his potential risk to the public.

Judge David Owen-Jones addressed the court, emphasizing the danger Nicholls posed. He stated that the defendant was “a significant risk to children and members of the public,” highlighting the likelihood of serious harm and further offences if he were to be released from custody. The judge’s comments underscored the gravity of the crimes and the need for a substantial custodial sentence.

Detective Constable Gill Partridge, who led the investigation for Essex Police’s Online Investigation Unit, expressed her concern over the case. She remarked, “The child involved in the latest crimes was understandably devastated, as were her family, to discover that Nicholls had been jailed for similar crimes. He managed to conceal his past and preyed on the girl for more than two years. He was extremely cunning and tried to keep the offences secret, but fortunately, a member of the public saw images on the computer at his shop and police intervened immediately.”