Predator Jailed for 20 Years After Six Years of Horrific Abuse
Paedophile’s Decades-Old Crimes Uncovered
David Lawn, 62, from Aberford near Leeds, has been locked up for 20 years after being found guilty of 16 charges, including three counts of raping a girl under 16. The vile abuse stretched back to the 1990s and was only unearthed when the victim bravely spoke out as an adult.
Leeds Safeguarding Unit launched a full-scale investigation in 2021. Specialist detectives gathered strong evidence that saw Lawn hauled into Leeds Crown Court last month for trial.
Harsh Sentence and Lifelong Sex Offender Tag
On Friday 13 February, Lawn received a brutal extended sentence of 20 years behind bars, plus an extra year on licence. He’ll remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, making sure he can never slip under the radar again.
Victim Breaks Silence with Heartbreaking Statement
“As a young child, I learned fear long before I learned safety. I should have been learning to read, to play, to trust — instead I was learning how to disappear inside myself, how to make my body small and my voice smaller.
“As I grew older, the confusion hardened into something heavier. I learned to split myself in two — the girl who smiled and played and went to school, and the girl who carried a secret so heavy it bent her spine. This statement is her voice. This process is her truth. This moment is her justice.
“I hope she can feel proud — proud that I didn’t stay silent. Proud that I fought. Proud that I survived long enough to tell her story. And now, for the first time, I know he cannot reach me. That knowledge is a kind of freedom I have never felt before.
“I cannot change what happened to me. But I can choose what happens next. I have a voice now. I have truth now. I have strength now. She is scared. I am not.”
Detective Praises Victim’s Courage, Urges Others to Speak Up
Detective Constable Christine Walkin, who led the case, said: “Lawn subjected a vulnerable young girl to a campaign of sickening abuse, which has understandably had a huge impact on her life. After a lengthy investigation, we secured charges against him — all proven in court.”
“The victim showed immense bravery throughout. I hope knowing Lawn is behind bars brings her some comfort as she rebuilds her life.”
“I urge anyone affected by similar abuse to come forward. We take all sexual offences seriously and have specialist officers ready to support and fight for justice.”
For help and advice on reporting sexual abuse, visit the NSPCC website.
