May 2011

Serial child abuser jailed for 16 rapes

A sick paedophile branded “evil, callous and cowardly” who subjected his victims to years of sexual abuse will only be released when he is no longer considered a danger to young girls.

David Skeen, 42, secured the silence of his three victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by threatening to kill them, while sexually abusing and raping them for more than a decade.

The serial rapist, of Guillemot Lane, Wellingborough, was at risk of being given a life sentence when he pleaded guilty to 22 charges of rape and other sexual offences, moments before a jury was to be sworn in at the start of his trial.

Skeen made his victims participate and watch mutual sex acts and view pornography.

His victims, some of whom were as young as six when the rapes began, were in court to see Skeen jailed and branded a danger to children.

Passing sentence at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, Judge Michael Fowler said a life sentence was not appropriate but instead passed a term of imprisonment for public protection and ruled he must service a minimum of nine years before even being considered for parole.

Sam Mainds, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was so arrogant because he knew that all his victims all knew what was going on and such was their fear that he was sure and content nothing would come out about it.”

Skeen will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

He declined to face his victims during the Crown Court session and kept his body turned away from them during the three hearings.

Judge Fowler added: “There is evidence of perversion, simply beyond the fact you committed these offences, of causing your victims to participate and watch mutual acts and view pornography.

“In short, you have been shown to be evil, callous and cowardly.

“You have solely used them, it would seem, for your own sexual gratification and have sacrificed their childhoods.”