Man jailed for 17 years having been found guilty of non-recent child sex offences

A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison having been found guilty of sexual offences, including child sex offences, in Southampton and Coventry.

David Blackstock, 57, of Harnall Lane West in Coventry, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Friday (24 January) for sentence having previously being found guilty by a jury of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and four counts of indecent assault.

The court heard how in August 2020 the victim, who is now in her 40s, contacted police to report that Blackstock had raped her when she was just 13 and he was 29-years-old. The woman reported that Blackstock had lied about his age when she first met him in 1996, telling her that he was 19, however within a matter of months she realised his true age when he began receiving 30^th birthday cards. The court was told how the victim went on to be subjected to controlling, abusive and violent behaviour at the hands of Blackstock.

Blackstock pleaded not guilty to the offences he was charged with, however a jury found him guilty on August 19 2024 following a trial at Southampton Crown Court.

He has now been sentenced to 17 years in prison. He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order in relation to 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/