Update 7.Feb.14 David Whittaker was sentences to six years in jail for the crimes (below) he was found guilt of. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
On Friday 31st January, at the re-trial at the Isle of Wight Crown Court in Newport, former-Isle of Wight councillor David Whittaker was found guilty of two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children.
He was also found guilty of sexual assault on a child and causing a child under the age of 16 to watch a sexual act.
He has denied all the charges.
Previously guilty of sexual activity in a public toilet
Three years ago, the former Conservative councillor was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity in a public toilet.
2009 arrest
Prior to that, in October 2009 he was arrested over alleged sex offences, which Police later (May 2010) decided to take no further action on.
When the arrest occurred he ‘stepped down from membership of the Conservative Group’. After the ‘no further action’ he was allowed to rejoin the Island Conservative Group.
Sentencing
Until earlier tonight, he was a parish councillor for Newport West. Cllr Mary Craven confirmed to OnTheWight,
“Cllr Whittaker has resigned from Newport Parish Council this evening.”
Sentencing will take place next week.
Updated 19:48 Added extra detail of past arrests.
Updated 8.Feb Changed headline to reflect sentencing. Added sentence length to top of story.
Image: Connor Tarter under CC BY 2.0
