“I’m sickened by Pearce’s abhorrent behaviour and the pain he has caused"

Friday 01 March 2024

A 41-year-old man has been found guilty of raping and attacking a woman over several years when she was in a vulnerable state.

David Nigel Pearce denied the charges against him, but was today convicted of two historic rapes and two common assaults following a 10-day Royal Court trial.

Pearce was first arrested following an assault in 2020.

He was later arrested for the historic assaults and rapes, and charged last April.

Outlining the prosecution's case at the start of the trial, Crown Advocate Simon Thomas said Mr Pearce was verbally abusive to the woman.

Advocate Thomas told the jury that on several occasions Mr Pearce shouted at his alleged victim, grabbed her by the throat and pinned her down before forcing himself on her sexually, ignoring her cries that he stop because he was hurting her.

"There can't be any question that the victim was consenting, and there can be no basis for the defendant misunderstanding her position," Advocate Thomas said.

On another occasion, it was alleged that Mr Pearce grabbed the victim by the throat and that she had wet herself because she was so fearful.

The court heard that Mr Pearce was arrested following an altercation in which he had been "going crazy", which Advocate Thomas said resulted in the victim slapping him and initially being questioned by police on suspicion that she had assaulted him.

During the trial, Pearce claimed that he was never rough or aggressive towards the woman.

Answering questions from Advocate David Steenson, defending, in court last Friday February, Mr Pearce claimed she was lying and said: "Sometimes she would be physically aggressive and I had to defend myself."

"I'm sickened by Pearce's abhorrent behaviour and the pain he has caused the complainant who has shown immense courage in coming forward and giving live evidence in court," said Investigating officer, Detective Constable Verity Thomas, at the conclusion of the case.

Further praising the victim's bravery, DC Thomas added: "It is down to her courage that he has been convicted today.

"It has had a massive impact on her life, but hopefully she can now begin to recover."

Commissioner Alan Binnington was presided over the trial.

SUPPORT...

Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support (JDAS) offer specialist support and guidance in relation to domestic or sexual abuse incidents. Support is provided before, during and after any police investigation or court hearing. It is also available when police are not involved. Call: 01534 880505 or email JDAS@gov.je.

The SARC at Dewberry House provide expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. The Centre comprises of a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Call: 01534 888222. 

Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Tel: 01534 482801. 

FREEDA (Freedom from Domestic Abuse) offer a 24-hour helpline, access to safe accommodation as well as help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836. 

Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.