Exeter man jailed for the sexual abuse of a child
Fuller was sentenced yesterday (18 June) and must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years
An Exeter man has been jailed for the sexual abuse of a child.
Following a trial at Exeter Crown Court, David Fuller of Church Lane in Broadclyst has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
The case came to light when the victim showed her mum her phone diary, which outlined what the 64-year-old had done to her.
He was found not guilty of one sexual assault by penetration charge in relation to the same victim.
Fuller was sentenced yesterday (18 June) and must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.
He was also made subject of a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Sharing the case, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "During the trial, the court heard how Fuller abused the girl in 2023.
"The abuse came to light when the victim showed her mother her diary stored on her phone which outlined what Fuller had done to her.
"She described how Fuller bought her gifts including jewellery to keep the abuse a secret. He then directed her to hide the gifts from her family at home.
"The matter was reported to the police and Fuller was arrested.
"The arresting officer searched Fuller’s wallet and found a receipt for a recent purchase from a local jeweller.
"During interview, Fuller admitted buying the victim gifts but denied any sexual contact took place."
'We hope the victim and her family are now able to start moving on with their lives'
Officer in the case, Detective Constable Megan Singleton, said: “It was through the victim in this case bravely telling her mother what David Fuller did to her, and that information in turn being reported to us that we were able to bring him to justice.
“Fuller continued to deny any sexual offending took place despite overwhelming evidence against him, forcing the victim to give evidence at trial.
“We hope the victim and her family are now able to start moving on with their lives knowing that he has been convicted and sentenced.
“We take all allegations of sexual abuse seriously and will investigate any reports made to us, no matter when the abuse took place.”
There is help
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, you are encouraged to not suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.
The Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse.
If you have been affected by crime, you can visit Victim Care Devon & Cornwall.