Man Jailed for 19 Years for Historic Child Sex Offences

David Neil Cook, 62, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child.

The offenses, which involved one female child victim, occurred between April 1991 and April 1993. The victim reported the abuse to police in 2019, leading to Cook's arrest and subsequent trial.

Cook, of Glebe Way, West Knighton, pleaded not guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court last year but was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court in October.

The victim, who has been praised for her "immense courage," told the Echo that she reported the abuse after "years of anxiety." She said, "I was too young to realize what was going on, what he was making me do."

Despite the difficult experience, the victim expressed relief that the case was over and was pleased with the sentence. She also urged other victims of abuse to come forward, emphasizing that they shouldn't feel ashamed and that they will be believed.

Detective Constable Mandy Lawrence of Dorset Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team praised the victim's courage and stated, "We will relentlessly tackle child sexual abuse by supporting victims, encouraging reporting and ensuring those who inflict abuse are brought to justice."