Court ‘He’s the Devil’ says victim of paedophile, 81, jailed for 14 years
ISEE David as the Devil. You don’t have to go down below to get to Hell.” These were the words a woman used to describe the man who inflicted a “campaign of rape” on her.
David Newbury sexually abused her as well as another girl decades ago in Bristol. Now, at the age of 81, he has faced justice at Bristol Crown Court.
Newbury, of Western Side in Devon, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and three indecent assault charges against one girl. He also admitted two indecent assault charges relating to a second girl.
Judge William Hart jailed him for 14 and a half years.
He told Newbury: “Finally the day of judgement has arrived for you. You are guilty and have for the last 50 years been guilty of offences of enormous depravity with many, grave aggravating features regarding the abuse.
“You had the essential decency to accept your responsibility today.”
Newbury was told he would have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence. He was ordered to notify his whereabouts to police indefinitely and could be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Mark Worsley, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court Newbury began to touch the first girl intimately before forcing himself on her on multiple occasions.
She gave an impact statement charting how Newbury had ruined her life and she had suffered from relationship and anger issues as a result – issues which could be triggered by hearing about other paedophile abuse.
She stated: “I’ve got trust issues, I feel shame and I feel guilt. I’ve had help but nowhere near enough. No child should have to go through this. Triggers take me back to square one. Children are precious and I have no self-worth now.
“I see David as the Devil. You don’t have to go down below to get to Hell.”
Newbury groped a second girl multiple times, the court heard. She too stated she had suffered from relationship and trust issues as a result.
Rachel Drake, defending, told the court: “He says he is very sorry. He simply didn’t understand the damage he was causing at the time. That may be seen to be too little, too late.”
Miss Drake said Newbury had been bereaved of his wife and has suffered from medical issues. She added that Newbury was realistic that he may spend the rest of his life in prison.
Finally the day of judgement has arrived for you. You are guilty and have for the last 50 years been guilty of offences of enormous depravity
Judge William Hart