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DOUGLAS CHARNICK BUBWITH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED IN YORK COURT
In November 2002, a disturbing case involving a primary school teacher from Bubwith came to light, culminating in a court sentencing that highlighted the serious nature of his misconduct. Douglas Robert Charnick, aged 37, was found guilty of engaging in a pattern of inappropriate and sexually explicit communication with a ten-year-old girl under his care.According to the prosecution, Rupert Doswell, Charnick had developed an unsettling obsession with the young pupil. He would shower her with up to three presents each week, an act that appeared to be an attempt to gain her favor and manipulate her. More troubling was his persistent effort to be alone with her, despite her parents’ clear refusal to allow such interactions. These attempts to isolate the girl raised significant concerns about his intentions.
Charnick’s misconduct extended beyond mere gifts. He wrote a series of highly inappropriate letters to the child, in which he suggested various sexual activities they could engage in together. These letters also contained his fantasies about sexual encounters with her. The last of these was particularly lengthy, comprising ten pages written in close handwriting, indicating a premeditated and obsessive effort to communicate his inappropriate desires.
The child's mother discovered one of these letters when she found it discarded in a waste paper basket. This discovery prompted her to alert the police, leading to Charnick’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. The case drew significant attention, emphasizing the breach of trust and the harm caused by such actions.
During the sentencing hearing at York Crown Court, Judge Scott Wolstenholme expressed grave concern about the potential consequences had the girl responded to Charnick’s overtures. The judge stated, “What would have happened if she had responded to the invitation you sent her I simply don’t know.” He emphasized that the act of sending such letters constituted a form of child abuse and represented a serious breach of trust.
Charnick was sentenced to nine months in prison and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. However, the judge criticized the existing legislation, which prevented him from imposing a lifetime ban on working with children. The judge remarked, “I sincerely hope that you are telling the truth when you say you have no intention of ever doing so,” indicating his concern that Charnick might pose a future risk.
Charnick, who resides on Church Close in Bubwith, pleaded guilty to charges of inciting a child to engage in gross indecency. His legal representative, Nicholas Barker, explained that Charnick had resigned from his teaching position and was now seeking to retrain as a florist. The case also revealed that Charnick had been suffering from depression and was under significant personal and professional pressure at the time. Despite these issues, the school had expressed satisfaction with his teaching performance, and he had offered to take other children on similar outdoor activities, such as orienteering courses.
Overall, the case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in educational environments, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in protecting children from predators like Douglas Charnick in Bubwith and beyond.