David Blackwood

David Blackwood, a 58-year-old registered sex offender from Trinity Road, Combe Down, near Bath, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 3 March 2026 after pleading guilty to multiple offences related to his interaction with two young girls.

On the afternoon of 4 February 2026, Blackwood approached two girls under the age of 16 who were walking home from school. He asked them a question of a sexually explicit nature before running away from the scene. The incident was promptly reported to Avon and Somerset Police by the mother of one of the victims, triggering a swift investigation led by Acting Sergeant Cox and Police Constables McFarlane, Osborne, and Bush from the Bath Outers Neighbourhood Team.

Following the report, officers arrested Blackwood on 11 February 2026. During the arrest, it was discovered that he had failed to register a new bank card in his possession, breaching the supervision requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register. Additionally, he was found to have violated a sexual harm prevention order that was already in place due to his prior status as a registered sex offender.

Blackwood pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, failing to comply with the requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. At the sentencing hearing, he received an immediate 12-month custodial sentence. He was also required to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a further 10 years, pay a £187 victim surcharge, and contribute £84 towards court costs.

Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Dudley Bond commented on the case, stating: “This is an appalling incident involving two children, who bravely did the right thing by telling a responsible adult about what they experienced which was therefore reported to us. Our neighbourhood officers carried out a thorough investigation, which has resulted in a custodial sentence which will prevent harm to further young people in our community.” The case underscores Avon and Somerset Police's commitment to protecting young people from sexual harm, with the rapid response ensuring Blackwood's remand and subsequent conviction.