A MAN is finally answering for sexually abusing three children, in the 1980s and 90s, despite some of the offences being investigated in 2002.

David Spence is starting a prison sentence of ten-and-a-half years, imposed at Durham Crown Court last Friday, November 12, after he admitted 13 charges arising from the allegations on the day of his scheduled trial, last month.

The 67-year-old retired machine engineer, of Scargill Drive, Spennymoor, with no past convictions, previously denied the alleged offending.

But the court heard he also made denials when one of the women’s complaint was investigated by police in 2002.

After the evidence was considered by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), no further action was taken.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said frustrated at the decision, she pressured to have the case reviewed by the CPS a few years ago, leading to Spence’s re-arrest in 2019.

When questioned and asked why the women were maintaining their claims, Spence said he could not explain it, but he told police he suspected it was for compensation.

Appearing at the court in February he denied a 13-count indictment and the case was adjourned for a trial to start on October 18.

But on that day he admitted 11 offences of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child.

In statements read to the sentencing hearing the victims spoke of their anger and frustration that it has taken almost an extra 20 years for justice to prevail.

Paul Reid, for Spence, told the court: “It’s tragic for these complainants that this matter was not properly investigated 20 years ago.

“My client is 67 and of positive good character, having worked all his life, only retiring a year ago, and he has done voluntary work, including for the local authority."

Recorder Maria Karaiskos said the victims have had to, “live with the consequences” of the CPS decision of 2002, “feeling disbelieved.”

She imposed 42-month sentences for the offences committed against each victim, but made them consecutive.

As an offender, “of particular concern” Spence may have to serve up to an extra 21 months at the behest of the Probation Service and then be subject to an extra year of licence supervision.

Indefinite restraining orders were put in place relating to two of the victims, while Spence will also be subject to the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and registration as a sex offender, “until further order.”

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