A man, David Blackstock Coventry Paedophile, has received a 17-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexual offences, including those against children, in Southampton and Coventry.
David Blackstock, 57, of Harnall Lane West, Coventry, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Friday, January 24, after a jury found him guilty of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and four charges of indecent assault.
In August 2020, the court was informed that the victim, now in her 40s, reported to the police that Blackstock had raped her when she was 13 and he was 29. The woman stated that Blackstock had misrepresented his age upon their initial meeting in 1996, claiming to be 19; nevertheless, within months, she discerned his actual age when he started receiving 30th birthday cards. The court was informed that the victim endured controlling, abusive, and aggressive behaviour perpetrated by Blackstock.
Blackstock entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him; nonetheless, a jury convicted him on August 19, 2024, after a trial at Southampton Crown Court.
He has been condemned to 17 years of incarceration. He was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order concerning the victim.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Robins of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department, who led the investigation, said: “This investigation, which incorporated Blackstock’s offending over a number of years, has been long and complex. I am pleased that it has concluded with Blackstock now serving a lengthy prison sentence. This result has only been possible thanks to the courage of the woman involved throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks for the bravery and tenacity she has shown, and while I know that nothing will ever take away everything she has been through, I really hope that this sentence goes some way to helping her move forward with her life.
“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or domestic abuse of any kind, no matter when it happened, to please report it. You will be able to speak to specialist detectives in confidence, who will listen to you and support you.
“We do know that not everyone has the confidence or is ready to speak to police. If this is the case, there are still a range of organisations that can offer you support.”
To speak to police, you can contact 101 or visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
For more information about the support available please visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.