Theale man jailed for 18 years for sex offences

Man was sentenced this morning (Fri) for series of rapes and sexual assaults against a teenage girl

A THEALE man has today (Friday) been jailed for 18 years for committing a series of rapes and sexual assaults against a teenage girl.

David Ward (pictured), aged 44, of Meadow Way, was found guilty by Reading Crown Court of eight counts of rape and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

The offences were disclosed to Thames Valley Police in January 2011 and an investigation was launched.

He was found guilty following a week-long trial at Reading Crown Court.

Investigating officer DC, Stuart May, of the Child Abuse Investigations Unit based in Reading, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting the sexual abuse and all of the witnesses who gave evidence in the case.

“David Ward is a dangerous sex offender and the abuse he carried out on his young victim was abhorrent.

“I hope this case demonstrates that all reports of sexual abuse are taken seriously and will be investigated by Thames Valley Police.

“The sentence given by the court reflects the seriousness of the offences and we are pleased justice has been done.”