In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that David Revell, 68, a disgraced former school governor, was spared immediate imprisonment after being caught in a sting operation by a paedophile hunter group. On appearing at Warwick Crown Court, the defendant—of Ebourne Close, Kenilworth—was handed a suspended sentence despite attempting to meet a 12-year-old girl and taking “upskirt” pictures of schoolgirls on a bus. It was reported that Revell resigned as a governor of Myton School in Warwick immediately following his arrest by the group ‘Catching Online Predators’.
The investigation established the “concerning” nature of Revell’s predatory behaviour while he held a position of authority in the education system. Warwickshire Police reported that Revell travelled to Manchester to meet a child he believed was a 12-year-old girl named ‘Louise’. The prosecution reported that a forensic analysis of his phone and laptop revealed sexualised conversations with five different girls, including messages where he told a 13-year-old, “Love it that you’re so young.” The investigation established that Revell had also downloaded 387 indecent images of children and two “serious” files showing sexual activity.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Revell had encouraged children to take “upskirt” photos for him and had shared his own surreptitious images of schoolgirls taken on public transport. Warwick Crown Court heard that Revell had planned to take the 12-year-old decoy to a hotel room and had instructed her to travel to Manchester without telling her parents. The investigation established that Revell pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child, engaging in sexual communication, and making and taking indecent pictures of children.
Judge Barry Berlin noted that Revell should be “thoroughly ashamed” of himself but granted him the “benefit of the doubt” by suspending his 14-month prison term for two years. For his actions in Warwick and Kenilworth, Revell was ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work. The judge noted that while the threshold for custody was met, the reform-focused sentence was intended to address Revell’s “vile” digital habits while ensuring he remained under strict court supervision.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of David Revell is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 14 months, suspended for 2 years (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for 10 years.
- Unpaid Work: 150 hours.
- Financial Penalties: Ordered to pay £425 in costs.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Warwick Crown Court following a Warwickshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to meet a child; Sexual communication; Making/taking indecent images.
- Origin: Ebourne Close, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Revell is managed under the supervision of the probation service and Warwickshire Police during his two-year suspension period. Due to the nature of his conduct in Kenilworth, which involved targeting schoolgirls while serving as a school governor, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 10-year registration on the Sex Offenders Register ensures that his internet usage and any future contact with educational settings are strictly monitored and restricted.
As a convicted sex offender, Revell must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and any digital devices. Authorities state that his history of taking “upskirt” photos on buses in Warwick necessitates vigilance regarding his conduct in public spaces. Any attempt to contact a minor, fail to disclose a digital alias, or breach the conditions of his 150 hours of unpaid work will result in immediate arrest and the activation of his 14-month prison sentence.
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