A man has been jailed for 18 years for the non-recent rape of a child on the Isle of Wight.
David Michael Wells, aged 47, from Chale Green, was charged with six counts of rape following a lengthy police investigation.
Abused between 2017 and 2018
The investigation began in January 2020 after the victim reported she had been abused by Wells between 2017 and 2018 when she was under the age of 16.
Wells denied the offences and the case went to trial on 25 April this year at Newport Crown Court.
Four and a half hours of deliberation
On 28th April, after approximately four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury convicted him of the charges.
He appeared at the same court today (Friday 20th May) where he was jailed for 18 years, with four additional years on extended license. A lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining order was also granted.
DC Daniel Hayward, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said,
“Wells is a danger to children who is now behind bars where he belongs.
“The child in this case should be commended for her bravery in standing up to her abuser and finding the courage to talk to police.
“It is because of this that Wells is now in a place where he cannot harm another child. I hope this case, and the bravery of the girl involved, encourage others who have been harmed by this kind of awful abuse to speak out and seek support.”
Speak to an officer in confidence
We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.
We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.
For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated Web page.
You can also find out more about how to report, and seek support for child abuse via the Website.
News shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
Editor’s note: Stop It Now!
Child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also runs the Stop It Now! helpline – 0808 1000 900 – which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children.
NSPCC: Victim’s bravery in speaking out has helped ensure Wells faces justice
An NSPCC spokesperson said,
“Wells not only repeatedly abused a child, he then forced her to re-live that abuse in trial by denying his offences.
“Childhood abuse can have devastating effects which can last a lifetime, but we hope this victim is now receiving all the support she needs and can take some solace knowing her bravery in speaking out has helped ensure Wells faces justice.
“We would urge anyone who has experienced abuse and is suffering, no matter when it happened or who the perpetrator is, to speak out and seek support.”
Article edit
4.15pm 20th May 2022 – Comment from NSPCC added
