Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Offences Against Children

A 68-year-old man from New Southgate has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual offences against two children.

David Withers, of Bowes Road, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, 27 July, following a week-long trial. He was found guilty of indecent assault of a girl under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and assault of a girl under 13.

The offences took place between 2002 and 2020 in Harwich. Withers was arrested in December 2020 after two victims bravely contacted Essex Police to report the crimes.

Following an investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team, Withers was charged with the offences. He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of all charges following the trial.

Detective Inspector Lewis Basford, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "This was a complex and challenging investigation. I want to commend the two victims for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these crimes. We will always support victims of sexual abuse and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice."