Sunderland Echo
January 17, 2009
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Pervert-molested-12yearold-girl.4887256.jp
A pervert who preyed on a schoolgirl he met at church has been jailed for four years.
David Shakespeare, of Alverthorpe Street, South Shields, abused the 12-year-old, who he was "infatuated" with, on numerous occasions over three years.
The 44-year-old subjected the girl to vile abuse, but held back from having full sex with her for "religious reasons."
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| David Shakespeare was jailed for four years after admitting indecent assault |
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Shakespeare, who has no previous convictions, met the girl at a church in South Tyneside while he was still living with his parents in Sunderland.
The first time he molested her was during a church trip, and he continued the abuse when she visited him at his flat when he moved to South Shields.
The court heard he would tell the girl what was happening was "normal and right."
The offences came to light when the victim, from South Tyneside, found the courage to speak to her family about her ordeal, which happened more than a decade ago.
Shakespeare admitted seven charges of indecent assault.
Judge Beatrice Bolton said: "You exploited a very young, little girl who probably had a childish crush on you.
"Anyone with a sense of humanity knows that when little girls have that sort of crush on an older boy or man they are not to be exploited.
"You did not have full sex with her as a result of your religious beliefs. Whether at the time you thought that was exercising some sort of morality I do not know.
"The end product of all this is a severely damaged young woman."
Defence barrister Julian Smith said Shakespeare's co-operation with the police and guilty pleas saved the victim from having to relive her ordeal in the witness box.
Mr Smith said Shakespeare, was infatuated with the girl but has never acted inappropriately towards any other children.
Shakespeare must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, was been banned from ever working with children.
He was also given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which bars him from deliberate contact with children for 10 years.
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