ERIC DAVIES FROM ASPATRIA SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CUMBRIA

In October 2011, a disturbing case of prolonged child sexual abuse culminated in the sentencing of Eric Davies, a 70-year-old resident of Aspatria, Cumbria. Davies was convicted of subjecting two young girls to repeated sexual assaults over a span of several years, beginning when the victims were only six years old and continuing until 2010.

Throughout the trial, Davies faced 17 counts of sexual offences against a child under the age of 13, including 11 counts of rape. Despite his denial of the charges, the jury at Carlisle Crown Court found him guilty after hearing harrowing testimonies from the victims, who bravely recounted their experiences. The court proceedings revealed the extent of Davies' abuse, which was only uncovered by chance, as both girls had been too frightened to disclose what was happening to them earlier.

On the day of sentencing, Davies appeared before the court once again, this time to receive his punishment. According to a probation report, he showed no remorse for his actions and displayed no emotion as he was sentenced. Instead, he simply thanked the judge, Recorder Peter Davies, as he was led away from the dock. The court heard that both victims had been terrified of the consequences of speaking out, and their fears had kept the abuse hidden for years.

Recorder Davies addressed the court, stating, “These girls are angry and they were frightened of you, but because they are so young, who knows what effects will be disclosed in the future. We do not know what psychological impact these offences will have had on them.” He emphasized that, although Davies posed a serious risk to children, his advanced age meant that an indefinite prison sentence was not deemed necessary. Instead, safeguards such as inclusion on the sexual offenders’ register and a sexual offences prevention order were put in place to monitor him after his release.

Davies’ defence lawyer, Rod Halligan, raised legal points but did not offer any mitigation for his client’s actions. Following the hearing, Detective Sergeant Duncan Brooker of the Public Protection Unit commented on the case, describing it as a “nasty case of prolonged sexual abuse against young and vulnerable victims.” He praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and expressed hope that their courage would encourage others to report abuse, whether ongoing or historic. Brooker also highlighted that the sentence handed down reflects the depraved nature of Davies’ acts and aims to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. He reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to thoroughly investigate all disclosures of sexual abuse, providing reassurance to victims that their reports will be taken seriously and handled professionally.