A Whitby man has been handed a five-year restraining order and placed on the register of sex offenders for a decade after pleading guilty to sexual assault on a woman.
David Robert Welham, 36, of Abbots Road, admitted the offence at York Crown Court on Tuesday (3 February 2026) before a trial was due to start.
The incident happened during the early hours of 9 August 2024 when Welham forced himself on the woman in her own home.
She made a report to North Yorkshire Police and Welham was arrested that afternoon and subsequently charged with the offence.
Welham continually denied sexually touching the woman without her consent.
However, he changed his plea to guilty just before a trial was about to start on Tuesday this week.
As well as the five-year restraining order to protect the victim and being placed on the register of sex offenders for 10 years, Welham was also handed a 10-month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.
He will go to prison if he fails to comply with all requirements under the supervision of the Probation Service.
This includes carrying out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.
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.”


Filey Residents Launch Bold Bid to Save Historic Queen Street Land from Private Development
North Yorkshire Set for Global Spotlight as Council Backs Return of Elite Cycling
Parents Demand Answers Over Whitby School Education Concerns
Camra Backs Plan To Stop Scarborough Pub’s Conversion Into Flats
Repairs Approved For Charity Shop Exterior Damaged Beyond Repair By Storm
A64 CLOSED Between Malton & York Due To Accident
Hospital Chiefs Explain Bridlington Care Unit Closure Plans
Deputy Mayor Praises Huge Surge In North Yorkshire Fire Safety Visits
Litter Lottery Sees Fines Vary on The Yorkshire Coast As New Powers Introduced In Scarborough And Whitby
First 'Cuddle Bed' Arrives At Scarborough Hospital Following Community Fundraising Campaign
Scarborough Athletic Chairman Warns Of Financial Challenges Despite Return Home
Anti-Fracking Group's Campaign 'Nowhere Near Over' Following Scarborough Gas Rig Rejection







Comments
Add a comment