Whitby sex offender given suspended prison sentence

Today David Robert Welham, 36, is a registered sex offender.

The Whitby man forced himself upon the woman in the early hours of August 9, 2024, and was arrested the same day, North Yorkshire Police said.

He was later charged with sexual assault and denied sexual misconduct through several court hearings until minutes before he was due to stand trial at York Crown Court this week.

Then he changed his plea to guilty.

Welham, of Abbots Road, Whitby was given a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months on condition he does 200 hours’ unpaid work.

He was put on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and made subject to a five-year restraining order restricting his movements and activities to protect the woman from him.

Police Staff Investigator Dexy Clarkson, from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: “Welham finally admitted his guilt to sexually assaulting the woman and has been dealt with by the courts.

“I hope the victim can now begin to move on from this deeply upsetting experience. I have nothing but praise for her bravery throughout this case.”