David Blackburn has been targeting two girls since he was just nine and seven years old – threatening not to talk about the abuse. He was a teenager when he started abusing victims. But he continued as an adult, even after he got married and had children of his own.
One of the girls was raped by Blackburn, from Quarry Green, Northwood, Kirkby, more than three decades ago. She burst into tears and clenched her fists when she was jailed for 19 years on Monday as supporters celebrated and hugged her in a public gallery.
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Merseyside police said Blackburn did not need a moment to attend a volunteer interview, which means Liverpool ECHO , who reported on the case, did not have a photo of him. But the post can now show you the face of a man who “abused with grotesque” situations to use girls as “his sex toys”.
Blackburn was found guilty after a painful trial in the Liverpool Crown Court. He denied any wrongdoing, but was convicted of five counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child in relation to his first victim when he was between nine and 13 years old.
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The adult victim now said that Blackburn touched her sexually, had sexual intercourse with her, exposed herself and asked her to touch him and showed her sexual images in a book. “She asked him to stop when he touched her, but he just laughed,” said Martine Snowdon, a prosecutor.
Blackburn was convicted of 15 counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child and one count of rape in relation to his second victim. The prosecutor said Blackburn had abused the girl since he was seven years old by sexually touching her, including sexually assaulting her.
David Blackburn, 56, of Quarry Green, Northwood, Kirkby (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Blackburn made her have sex with him when he was 12, and once lay on her, only to be teased and run away, before raping her when she was 14. Ms Snowton said the girl reported the rape in 1990, but later withdrew her complaint when pressured.
In a victim statement, the second woman said she was taking antidepressants and stress medications. The prosecutor said she described how “abuse is on her mind all the time” and led to suicidal thoughts. The woman has constant nightmares and only now, after the end of the trial, was she able to accept the offer of counseling.
The judge, recorder Ian Harris, said he had read a report before the Probation Service proposal. He said: “It is as one would expect given the denials in the trial. He expresses no remorse and maintains his innocence and the author of the report assesses him as a high risk for further sexual offenses.”
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Defendant Lee Boehner said Blackburn had suffered from depression “in part caused by his divorce”, was taking antidepressants and had been referred to a “memory clinic”. He said his client had no previous convictions and at his age, jail could “have a much bigger impact on him than otherwise”.
Mr Bonner said Blackburn had previously made a serious attempt on his life, which left him in a coma and that his memory problems were linked to cognitive impairment. He said that “he may not have been a sophisticated man”, that he did not complete his education, had difficulties in reading and writing and “was not able to maintain long-term employment”.
Mr Bonner said the latest offenses were committed 30 years ago. He added: “The defendant who will be sentenced by the court today is, as it seems, a very different defendant from that young man so many years ago.”
Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Recorder Harris said Blackburn first satisfied his “predatory desire” with the first girl and then abused the second child. The judge said: “This pedophilia continued after you got married and had your own children.
“Both victims said how you threatened them and that the abuse had hurt them. The second girl said she would ask you to stop what you are doing.”
Referring to the second girl, Recorder Harris said: “She would say she did not want to have sex with you, but you would tell her not to tell anyone otherwise you would hurt her.” The judge said the girl was “forced” to withdraw her complaint about the 1990 rape.
Recorder Harris told Blackburn: “Both of your victims have suffered and continue to suffer to this day. You just ruined the innocence of these two children.”
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The judge said he was sure Blackburn knew what she was doing was “wrong”. Recorder Harris said Blackburn was a “perpetrator of particular concern” and jailed him for a total of 19 years, with an extended leave.
The result of a combination of different types of sentences in this case means that Blackburn must serve about 11 and a half years in prison before he can apply for parole. Blackburn must also sign up to the Sex Offender Register for life.
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Anyone who has information or wants to report a sexual offense should call 101 where specially trained officers will speak to you. Or you can transfer information to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, individuals can contact the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Center at 0161 276 6515, or you should contact the police. Greater Manchester that has been raped or sexually assaulted.
The services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by the Greater Manchester Police or by self-referral.
Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500.
Children concerned about child abuse can contact Childline 24/7 at 0800 1111. Adults concerned about child well-being can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.
Anyone concerned about their behavior or that of a family member can contact stopitnow.org.uk and get-help.stopitnow.org.uk
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