In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that David Anthony Symonds was handed an extended six-year sentence at Salisbury Crown Court for a series of new sexual offences committed shortly after his release from prison. The investigation established that Symonds, an unemployed serial offender, had only served a 22-month sentence for grooming a 12-year-old girl before re-offending. The prosecution reported that within three months of his release, Symonds travelled to various beaches to expose himself to children and began friend-requesting young girls from across the UK.
The investigation established that despite being subject to police monitoring, Symonds used the internet to send sexually explicit messages to multiple children with the intent of engaging them in sexual activity. The prosecution reported that he sent approximately 40 photos of his genitals to his victims and openly bragged online about his previous criminal history. Symonds admitted that he is sexually attracted to children, confirming his predatory nature and the high risk he poses to the public.
Judicial Findings and Extended Sentencing
The court reported that Symonds was finally exposed after several paedophile hunting teams coordinated their evidence to identify him. The investigation established that his conduct represented a blatant defiance of his previous notification requirements. The prosecution reported that during the sentencing on 22 October 2020, the judge determined that Symonds was a dangerous offender, necessitating an extended sentence to ensure long-term public protection.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Symonds being sentenced to a total of six years, consisting of a three-year custodial term and a three-year extension period. For his actions and the nature of the child grooming reported, he was also placed on the sex offenders register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to run indefinitely. The judge noted that Symonds’ immediate return to offending after prison demonstrated a profound disregard for the safety of children.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Salisbury Crown Court in 2020:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 6 years in 2020; includes a 3-year extension period).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active INDEFINITELY.
- SHPO Status: Active INDEFINITELY (Restricts internet usage and contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Attempting sexual communication with a child x6; Attempting to cause a child to watch an image of sexual activity x1).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court; investigated by Wiltshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Exposed himself to children on public beaches; Sent 40 explicit photos of his genitals to girls; Bragged online about his previous convictions; Caught multiple times by paedophile hunting teams.
- Financial Penalty: Ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £190.00.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Symonds is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Wiltshire. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his admission of attraction to children and his rapid return to grooming following his previous release—he is a priority for the most intensive digital and physical monitoring. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Symonds is incapacitated for a significant period and subject to lifelong restrictions.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Symonds’ history identifies him as an individual who prioritised his own desires over the safety of children nationwide. Any failure by Symonds to notify police of his movements, or any breach of his indefinite SHPO, will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was caught “Bragging” about his previous crimes online, do you believe that “Glorification of Previous Sex Offences” should legally be a standalone criminal charge that carries a mandatory prison sentence?
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