DEAN WHITTAKER FROM WEST LUTTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN YORK

In a case that has shocked the local community of West Lutton near Malton, Dean Whittaker, aged 19, was formally sentenced for a series of disturbing sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incidents, which spanned from August 2013 to February 2015, involved manipulative grooming tactics and exploitation of the child's innocence, leading to a conviction on seven counts of sexual assault, incitement to commit a sexual act, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Whittaker’s actions came to light during a trial at York Crown Court, where the court heard how he used imaginative and sinister children’s games as a cover for his predatory behavior. He would pretend to be a zombie or a murderer in a darkened room, creating an environment that facilitated his abuse of the girl, who was of primary school age at the time. These games were not innocent; they served as a means to gain access to the child in private settings, where the abuse occurred.

Further details revealed that Whittaker also engaged in role-playing scenarios such as “schools,” where he assumed the role of a headteacher and the girl was a pupil. These sessions often took place in secluded rooms, providing him with opportunities to carry out his illicit activities. The young girl, who is not related to Whittaker, testified that he had bribed her with promises of computer game software for her mobile phone to persuade her to participate in the sexual acts. She also recounted how he warned her not to tell anyone, threatening that he would go to prison if she did.

The court was told that the girl kept silent about the abuse until February 2015, when she confided in her grandmother. The judge, addressing the court, condemned Whittaker’s manipulative behavior, stating, “You took advantage of the opportunities you engineered. There was grooming in this case by developing games that allowed you one-to-one access with her in privacy.”

Judge Stubbs expressed his disappointment that Whittaker’s career as a soldier was effectively over due to his actions, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. The judge also acknowledged the lasting impact on the victim, noting that she has suffered from nightmares as a result of the abuse.

Whittaker was sentenced to three years in a young offenders’ institution. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, which prohibits him from making any contact with the victim and includes several other conditions aimed at protecting her and preventing further offenses. During the sentencing, Whittaker was taken to the court cells, where he injured his hand by punching a wall in frustration, delaying his sentencing process.