GARY DOVE FROM EASTHAMPSTEAD SENTENCED FOR ABDUCTION AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN BRACKNELL AND BLACKPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local communities, Gary Dove, a man originally from Easthampstead, was convicted and sentenced for serious criminal offenses involving a vulnerable 14-year-old girl. The incidents took place across different locations, including Bracknell and Blackpool, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes committed by Dove.

Gary Dove, aged 42 at the time of sentencing, was brought before Reading Crown Court where he faced charges related to the abduction and sexual abuse of a minor with learning difficulties. The court heard that Dove had previously resided on Pondmoor Road in Easthampstead but was also known to visit family members regularly in Blackpool, a city where some of the offenses occurred.

The court proceedings revealed that Dove was sentenced on a Friday to serve four and a half years in prison for child abduction. Additionally, he received a four-month sentence for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and a six-month sentence for a second count of sexual activity with the same minor. All these sentences were ordered to run concurrently, reflecting the gravity of his actions.

It was established that Dove had admitted to all three charges during the trial, which involved a series of disturbing events. The victim was reported missing to police on January 2 of that year, and she was located later that same day at a hotel in Blackpool, where Dove had taken her without parental consent. During their time at the hotel, Dove committed a sexual act with the girl, further compounding the severity of his offenses.

The case also included a charge related to an incident that occurred at Dove’s residence in December 2008, involving sexual activity with the minor. The court's summing up was delivered by Judge Zoe Smith, who emphasized the seriousness of the case. She described it as “a very serious case of an abduction of a vulnerable child,” underscoring the breach of trust and the harm caused to the young victim.

Following his conviction, Dove was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years. He was also issued a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from remaining unsupervised with any child under the age of 16 unless he is a relative. Furthermore, the order restricts him from working with children under 16, aiming to prevent any future harm.

Gary Dove’s criminal activities and subsequent sentencing have left a lasting impact on the communities of Easthampstead, Bracknell, and Blackpool, raising ongoing concerns about child safety and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable minors.