Ipswich man jailed for child sex offences

A man from Ipswich has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment after being found guilty of a series of sexual offences.

David Miller, aged 44 and of Hervey Street in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court today, Thursday 20 June, following a nine-day trial after he pleaded not guilty to all offences. A jury found him guilty unanimously on all counts on Friday 14 May.

Miller had denied 16 offences – these were two of rape, two of indecent assault, four of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, seven of sexual activity with a child, and one of sexual activity with a child but was convicted by the jury. All offences relate to three children and took place between December 2002 and December 2019.

Miller was first arrested in October 2020 and following detailed and thorough investigations he was charged in October 2022.

He targeted vulnerable adult women with a view to abuse their children, all of whom were boys.

Investigating officer DC Michael Florey said: “I am extremely proud of all those victims and witnesses that had the courage and conviction to support the investigation throughout.  Without their support Miller would be free to continue abusing young boys. 

“The public gallery was packed for the duration of the two-week trial and more notably was attended by the family from a 2002 trial where Miller was acquitted.  

“Because Miler had pleaded not guilty, the victims and their families had to endure a week of extremely distressing evidence being heard. I would like to pay tribute to the strength of character and courage shown by all involved.  I hope the sentence passed today provides some level of closure and allows them to move forward with their lives.          

“Suffolk police is committed to fully investigating any allegation of sexual assault, recent or historic and will provide the highest level of support and care to any victim whilst a thorough investigation is carried out.”

Child abuse is often a hidden crime, and we work to ensure that the voice of the child is heard and concerns of abuse or neglect are reported and investigated. The Suffolk Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which involves police, county council, education and health, among others works to address issues of risk of harm, abuse and neglect.

If you are concerned about an immediate risk to the safety of a child, please call Customer First on 0808 800 4005. In an emergency, call the police on 999. If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of abuse or neglect, please make a referral using the Suffolk Children and Young People's Portal.

More details on the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership children's website. https://www.suffolksp.org.uk/concerned/

More details on what to do such as how to report it and advice if you know someone who has been abused can be found on our website> Advice about child abuse | Suffolk Constabulary