Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

David Hedley Northumbria Police/PA Wire
Newcastle

"Prolific" sex offender jailed after victim saw him on the street and identified him on Facebook

He appeared before Newcastle Crown Court where he was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison.

A “PROLIFIC” SEX offender was jailed today after one of his victims saw him on the street and identified him on Facebook.

20 year old David Hedley, who is from Newcastle in England, was arrested in March 2015 and charged with attempted rape, four counts of sexual assault by touching a female over the age of 13, one count sexual assault by touching a female under the age of 13, six counts of exposure and four counts of engaging in a sex act in the presence of a child.

His arrest came after he was spotted and identified.

Police set up an operation to catch Hedley after a worrying series of attacks on lone women and girls in the West End of Newcastle over a period of years.

He appeared before Newcastle Crown Court where he was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fairlamb, said: “David Hedley is a prolific sexual offender who has targeted his offences at young girls in the West Denton area of Newcastle since October 2012.

It is clear that his offending behaviour would most likely have continued if he had not been apprehended by police. In this case the offending escalated from indecent exposure to sexual assault before he was stopped.

“The public deserve to be protected from him and the sentence handed down today will ensure he is no longer at liberty to re-offend.”

Read: These two men may have witnessed a serious sexual assault and police want to speak to them

Read: Being a rape survivor affects every aspect of my life, but I won’t let the trauma control who I am

Your Voice
Readers Comments
8
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.