Ex-police officer convicted of rape and sexual activity with underage girls

David Waller hung his head as the judge branded him a “sexual predator” who “revelled in being the leading man” and targeted vulnerable teenagers for his own sexual gratification.

The 34-year-old faced several allegations made by teenage girls, who he met while he served for Cleveland Police, worked as flying instructor and in various theatre groups.

Jurors at Teesside Crown Court found Waller guilty of 10 charges against six teenage girls, including rape, sexual grooming, sexual activity and misconduct in a public judicial office.

He was handed 12 years in prison, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will be in place until further notice and was added to the sex offenders register.

Victim impact statements read out in court told of the devastation the former officer inflicted on his young victims and their families.

One girl who now suffers from depression and anxiety said Waller “took her innocence away” and told her she would not be believed if she reported his advances.

She said: “He took my innocence away. I became a completely different person. I became dark and dropped off the radar from my friends.

“I was shattered when he did what he did to me. I never felt I was worthy of a decent person, I was broken.

“I was made to feel like it was my fault and what did I expect from him. I remember him saying my parents would say I was a liar.

“He took all avenues of support away from me to protect himself. This was not the life I envisaged for myself.”

A second victim said the investigation “consumed and devastated” her and her family but added she “can now stand high knowing justice has been served and David Waller is being held accountable for his actions.”

The mother of one of young teenagers said Waller “took her daughter’s life away” and he “abused his position” while another victim said the former copper “targeted and preyed on her vulnerability for his own gratification.”

Sentencing, Judge Toby Hedworth said: “Some of the girls were vulnerable, not only because of their age but by reason of their own circumstances.

“You called them attractive and complimented them but not because of your concern for their welfare.

“You were grooming them so you could engage in sexual activity with them. You revelled in being the leading man.

“Demonstrably, you were a sexual predator.”

Speaking of text messages sent to friends referencing finding 14-year-old girls attractive, Judge Hedworth said: “They were not jokes. They reflected your clear attraction to underaged girls.

“Having watched and listened to you I have come to the conclusion that your intention is to only look after yourself.

“The public must expect to be able to talk to the police without giving officers the opportunity to take advantage for their own sexual gratification.”

In a statement made following the damming verdict, Senior Investigating Officer, Superintendent Wendy Tinkler said: “Waller used his position of trust within organisations in order to prey on young vulnerable girls.

“Waller sexually assaulted vulnerable girls in the belief that he would get away with these horrific crimes.

“Despite being provided with opportunities to admit these offences, he has continually denied them, causing further anxiety to his victims by making them relive the abuse he subjected them to again in court, and I praise their courage and strength throughout the judicial process.”

An NSPCC spokesperson added: “Waller cynically and disgracefully took advantage of vulnerable young girls, who he abused for his own depraved gratification.

“The fact that he was a serving police officer means that he would have known the damage caused to young victims of sexual abuse, and yet he acted with complete disregard for anyone but himself.”

* If anyone has any concerns over the welfare of a child, or has information about child sexual abuse, they can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808-800-6500 or via email on help@nspcc.org.uk.