Detective welcomes 17-and-a-half-year sentence for abuser
Main article content
A 66-year-old man convicted of numerous sexual offences against boys which took place in Redcar from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s has been jailed.
An investigation began in 2017 after police received an initial report regarding David Gillender, and it was soon discovered there were other victims.
They were offered specialist support while inquiries continued and Gillender (who now lives in Gloucestershire) appeared at Teesside Crown Court in June this year, where he was found guilty of fourteen counts of sexual offences.
Speaking after Gillender was sentenced, Detective Sergeant Nicky Barker, from Cleveland Police’s Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Unit (CAVA), said:
“While in a position of trust, Gillender carried out systematic abuse against these young victims.
“Throughout the entire police and legal process, he continually denied his offending which meant the victims had to relive their traumatic experiences and undergo the stress of a trial.
“This was a very complex investigation involving a number of victims and offending which took place many years ago.
“I’d like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and for their patience while our long running inquiries took place. I know this has had a deep and lasting effect on them.
“Cleveland Police will always investigate such claims and we will work with the CPS - whose support in this case has been invaluable - to bring offenders before the courts.
“Gillender has now received a lengthy custodial sentence and I hope the victims will obtain a degree of comfort from this.”
CAVA Detective Chief Inspector Deb Fenny added: “CAVA and our colleagues at the CPS remained focused on achieving justice for these victims and I am pleased with today’s outcome.
“I wish the victims well for the future and would remind anyone who has experienced similar abuse, whether recent or non-recent, they can report to Cleveland Police at any time, and we will investigate.”
