A previous army cadet leader is due to receive his sentence for a sequence of sexual crimes committed against a young girl in Lincoln. David Thorne, 22, has confessed to eight offences, inclusive of five instances of raping a minor under 13 and a further three occurrences of assault by forceful penetration. He carried out these actions on three distinct occasions in December 2023. Thorne, who insisted he had thought the victim was 17, had his plea disregarded by Judge Simon Hirst at Lincoln Crown Court, who unreservedly accepted the evidence offered by the victim. Thorne, who resides in Cherry Willingham, Lincoln, would routinely drive to the Grantham region to meet with the victim. The young girl stated during court proceedings that she had disclosed her actual age to Thorne, and that he in fact lied about being 17. Thorne, who has connections with the universities of Huddersfield and Hull, was reportedly dressed in his army cadet uniform during several of these encounters. Judge Hirst dismissed Thorne’s protests during a Newton Hearing, where case’s facts are examined amidst conflicting testimonies, after seeing photos of the victim which manifestly demonstrated her underage status. Prosecutor David Eager used the victim’s apparent age as proof. Thorne is currently restrained in custody, with his sentencing due on 13 June. Detective Constable Victoria Oakes of the Lincolnshire Police praised the victim for her bravery in handling such a traumatic experience, expressing optimism that the upcoming sentencing will facilitate some measure of resolution. Thorne’s actions were entirely intolerable, she argued, and the court’s rejection of his defence confirmed his guilt.
This story has been edited from the original reporting provided by www.bbc.com.
