A former production manager at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting indecently assaulting two under-age girls.
David Wicks, who formerly lived in Swindon, pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on the girls who were both aged between 14 and 15-years-old at the time of the offences.
The incidents took place between July 1996 and July 1997 with one girl and between January 1999 and January 2001 with the other girl.
David Wicks was also put on the Sex Offenders Register and given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for life.
Following today’s (23/08) sentencing at Swindon Crown Court, Det Con Mike Armishaw from Swindon CID said: “I want to highlight the bravery of the victims who came forward after all these years, who had the full confidence to stand up and give evidence against David Wicks with the support of the police and the criminal justice system.
“I hope this sentence gives them some form of closure so they are able to move on with their lives.
“For years David Wicks worked at the Wyvern Theatre and during the Summer Youth Projects he was able to identify young vulnerable girls, prey on them and ultimately go on to abuse them.
“His pattern of offending demonstrated that he was able to manipulate situations to his advantage and was extremely calculated in doing so.
“David Wicks’ guilty plea reflects the overwhelming level of evidence that he was faced with.”
Wiltshire Police takes all reports of this nature extremely seriously regardless of the amount of time that has passed; we will seek to obtain justice for victims and ensure that they are provided with the support that they need.
Victims are encouraged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Phone 999 in an emergency.
They can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary – they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 0808 168 0024.
Wiltshire Police would encourage everyone, including parents and their children, to look at their website for advice on staying safe online
