David Roy Stannard, a 62-year-old resident of York, has been described as a 'dangerous' paedophile following his conviction at York Crown Court for inciting a child to perform sexual activity. The incident occurred when the young boy's father left his son briefly alone with Stannard while he went to the shops. During this short absence, Stannard urged the child to engage in a sexual act, breaching the trust placed in him by the family.
Upon the father's return, the distressed boy immediately confided in him, stating that he had not complied with Stannard's instructions. Stannard then falsely accused the child of hitting him in a painful area, attempting to deflect blame. The father promptly called the police, leading to Stannard's arrest. In a personal statement read to the court, the father detailed the profound impact on his son, noting a change in the boy's personality: 'When walking on his own the boy "felt someone was following him and he fears (Stannard) is going to come for him and snatch him away."' The family expressed relief post-sentencing, with the father stating, 'A very dangerous manipulative man is off the streets and is now known for what he really is.'
Stannard, of Lowther Terrace in The Groves area of York, has a lengthy criminal history spanning decades, including convictions for arson, violence, and dishonesty, though this was his first for a sexual offence. Despite denying the charge, Stannard put the boy through the ordeal of giving evidence in court. A York jury found him guilty last autumn. Originally scheduled for sentencing in January, Stannard fled to Blackpool instead of attending, becoming homeless and claiming he was the victim of attacks in York—a claim Judge Simon Hickey dismissed, as police records showed no such reports.
Arrested and returned to York Crown Court in custody, Stannard admitted to failing to attend court. His defence barrister, Glenn Parsons, described the offence as an 'aberration,' arguing Stannard had acted out of character and that his mental health had deteriorated while on the run. However, Parsons acknowledged that Stannard could have surrendered but did not. Prosecutor Louise Reevell outlined the sequence of events, emphasising the immediate distress shown by the child.
Judge Hickey highlighted how Stannard had exploited the father's trust. Stannard was sentenced to three years and one month in prison, an extended custodial term reflecting his dangerousness. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and subjected to a 10-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the father, son, or their home street. The case was investigated by North Yorkshire Police, who received thanks from the family for their thorough work and support, alongside witness support volunteers.