In 2003, the Offender Database reported that David Rookes, then in his 40s, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Following a trial at York Crown Court, Rookes was convicted of a “vicious” campaign of sexual abuse against his own daughter, which spanned seven years.
The investigation established that the abuse occurred between 1993 and 2000, beginning when the victim was just nine years old and continuing until she was 16. Rookes was found guilty of four counts of rape, one attempted rape, three indecent assaults, and two acts of indecency. The prosecution reported that Rookes “vilely” forced his daughter to give evidence against him in court, subjecting her to further trauma to secure his conviction.
Judicial Findings and Release
The court reported that the abuse was “persistent” and “calculating,” representing a “dreadful” betrayal of parental trust. Rookes served seven years of his 12-year sentence and was released from prison in October 2010. The judge emphasised at the time of sentencing that the long-term psychological harm caused to the victim was “immeasurable.”
Since his release, Rookes has been required to notify the police of his movements and living arrangements. The prosecution emphasised that despite his release, the gravity of his “abhorrent” crimes necessitated lifelong monitoring to protect the public. For his crimes against his daughter in North Yorkshire, the court determined that he remains a permanent member of the Sex Offenders Register.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in North Yorkshire, David Rookes was subject to:
- Custodial Sentence: 12 years imprisonment (released after 7 years in 2010).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Convictions: Four counts of rape, one attempted rape, three indecent assaults, and two counts of indecency.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Rookes is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police. Now living between Selby, North Yorkshire, and Pontefract, West Yorkshire, his status remains under “stringent” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Rookes must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence. Authorities state that his history of “depraved” familial abuse necessitates “critical” oversight of his proximity to children. Any breach of his registration conditions or the terms of his lifelong monitoring will result in his immediate arrest and return to court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.