David Blackstock Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Sex Offences

A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual offences, including child sex offences, committed in Southampton and Coventry.

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

The court heard that in August 2020, the victim, now in her 40s, contacted police to report that Blackstock had raped her when she was just 13 years old and he was 29. The woman stated that Blackstock lied about his age when they first met in 1996, telling her he was 19. However, she realised his true age within months when he began receiving 30th birthday cards.

The court was told how the victim subsequently endured controlling, abusive and violent behaviour at the hands of Blackstock.

Blackstock pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. 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.