Coventry man jailed for historic and recent offences

A man from Coventry has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against two girls, including crimes dating back more than 30 years.

David Iles, aged 80, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on the 13th March, where he was convicted of sexual assault on a girl under 13, inciting sexual activity with a girl under 13, and indecent assault on a girl under 16. He will serve eight years in custody, followed by four years on extended licence, and has been made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The case came to light when one of the survivors disclosed the abuse to a family member, reporting that Iles had abused her between January 2022 and August 2023.

Following this disclosure, a police investigation uncovered a second survivor, who reported abuse dating back to 1994. Investigators found that she had been abused as a child between October 1994 and October 1995.

Despite the significant passage of time between the offences, both survivors came forward and supported the investigation, ultimately leading to Iles’ conviction.

Detective Constable Ruth Russell of the West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit said:

“We take every single report of abuse extremely seriously whether it happened yesterday or decades ago.”

She added that the survivors’ bravery had been instrumental in securing justice and protecting others.

Safeline Supported Both Survivors

Safeline supported both survivors throughout the criminal justice process, providing specialist help through our Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service and counselling.

Our ISVA team offers practical and emotional support to survivors navigating the complexities of reporting abuse, police investigations and court proceedings. Alongside this, our counselling service provides a safe, confidential space to process trauma and begin to heal.

We recognise how difficult it can be to come forward. Especially when abuse has happened in childhood or many years ago. The courage shown by both survivors in this case cannot be overstated.

It is never too late to report sexual abuse. Survivors can come forward at any stage in their lives, and reports will always be taken seriously.

While no sentence can undo the harm caused, holding perpetrators accountable can be an important step towards justice and safety for others.

Support Is Available

If you have been affected by sexual abuse – whether recently or in the past – you are not alone.

Safeline provides free, confidential and specialist support for anyone affected by sexual abuse or rape. Our services are available regardless of when the abuse happened or whether it has been reported to the police.

You deserve to be heard, believed and supported.