UPDATE: Manning has now been released and is living back in Plymouth where he committed his crimes

October 2010

Nine year jail term for string of sex offences and two rapes

A MAN has been jailed at Plymouth Crown Court for a string of seven sex offences, including two rapes, against an under-age girl.

David Manning, aged 42, of Budshead Road, Whitleigh, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of sexual assault and two counts of rape when he appeared in custody at Plymouth Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard the victim was aged under 16 at the time of the various offences last year and this year.

Prosecutor David Gittins said the victim told a friend that she had been raped by Manning, who had used no protection, and that she felt suicidal.

Manning, who moved to Plymouth from Ireland with his family last year, initially denied the accusations, but three days later confessed to his wife and then the police.

He also admitted taking indecent photographs of the girl, though he was not charged over this.

Judge Francis Gilbert QC jailed Manning for nine years, less 46 days spent on remand, and ordered him to comply indefinitely with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.