Isle of Wight child rapist and 'danger to children' jailed

David Michael Wells, aged 47, from Chale Green, was charged with six counts of rape following a lengthy police investigation.

The investigation began in January 2020 after the victim reported she had been abused by Wells between 2017 and 2018, when she was under the age of 16.

Wells denied the offences and the case went to trial on April 25 this year at Newport Crown Court.

• Read more: Chale child rapist threatened victim with 'living hell'

On April 28, after approximately four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury convicted him of the charges.

He appeared at the same court today (Friday, May 20) where he was jailed for 18 years, with four additional years on extended license. A lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining order was also granted.

What did Hampshire Constabulary say about the jailed child rapist from the Isle of Wight?

"Wells is a danger to children"

DC Daniel Hayward, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Wells is a danger to children who is now behind bars where he belongs.

"The child in this case should be commended for her bravery in standing up to her abuser and finding the courage to talk to police.

"It is because of this that Wells is now in a place where he cannot harm another child. I hope this case, and the bravery of the girl involved, encourage others who have been harmed by this kind of awful abuse to speak out and seek support."

What did NSPCC say about the jailed child rapist from the Isle of Wight?

A spokesperson for the NSPCC said: “Wells not only repeatedly abused a child, he then forced her to re-live that abuse in trial by denying his offences.

“Childhood abuse can have devastating effects which can last a lifetime, but we hope this victim is now receiving all the support she needs and can take some solace knowing her bravery in speaking out has helped ensure Wells faces justice.

"We would urge anyone who has experienced abuse and is suffering, no matter when it happened or who the perpetrator is, to speak out and seek support.”

How to seek help if you have been affected, or have been the victim of sexual abuse

• Contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.
• Visit the dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
• Find out more about how to report, and seek support for, child abuse: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/