Man jailed for 9 years for child sex offences in Havant and Hedge End

David Valentine (57) of Hambledon Road, Denmead appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 7 February, following a Hampshire and Isle of Wight investigation into child sex offences.

Valentine previously appeared at the same court on Monday 2 December where, following a six-day trial, a jury found him guilty of indecent assault, assault of a child under 13 by penetration and two counts of assault by penetration.

During the trial, the court heard how Valentine had sexually assaulted one girl in Havant on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2021, when she was between the ages of 6 and 13.

The court also heard how he had sexually assaulted another girl in Hedge End in 2003, when she was between 10-11 years old.

Valentine appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 7 February, where he was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment, with a four-year extension to his license period.

At sentencing, the judge made comment that Valentine was “particularly remorseless” and that he had “demolished [the victims’] sense of safety and privacy.”

The judge also noted that he had “objectified their bodies” and classified him as dangerous.

The officer in charge of the cases, Police Staff Investigator Samantha Nother from the Eastern Child Abuse Investigation Team said, ““It am very pleased to see David Valentine face justice. The deceit and lack of remorse only reinforces how dangerous David Valentine is.  

“I feel it is important to emphasise the fact that the case against him was only possible due to the strength of the young victim to come forward to her family about the abuse she had recently suffered, and the courage of the initial victim to revisit the details of the abuse in her past.

“It is because of their inspirational bravery that we have been able to hold him to account for his actions and for him to receive a significant and appropriate custodial sentence.

“We are aware that every case of abuse is unique and impacts people differently and we work with each victim with this in mind. Whether victims come forward at the time of the abuse or years later, we will always take their disclosures seriously and without judgement.”

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual assault to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/