A convicted sex offender from Somerset has been sentenced to prison after approaching two school girls with a sexually explicit question as they walked home.
David Blackwood, 58, of Trinity Road in Combe Down, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, failing to comply with Sex Offenders’ Register requirements, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
At Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 3, Blackwood was handed a 12-month custodial sentence. He will also remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next decade and is required to pay a £187 victim surcharge along with £84 in court costs.
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The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4, near Bath, when Blackwood approached the two girls and asked a sexually explicit question before fleeing the scene.
Following a report from one of the victims’ mothers, Avon and Somerset Police arrested and charged Blackwood on February 11. During his arrest, officers discovered he had failed to register a new bank card in his possession, violating existing supervision conditions.
Neighbourhood Inspector Dudley Bond denounced the incident as “appalling” and praised the children for speaking up and informing a responsible adult, which led to the investigation.
“Our neighbourhood officers conducted a thorough investigation resulting in this custodial sentence, aimed at preventing further harm to young people in our community,” Inspector Bond said.
He also reassured victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported, emphasizing the importance of reporting abuse.
“If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a child, please reach out. We have dedicated teams ready to act swiftly to protect you,” he added.