A former teacher has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of a schoolgirl, whom he invited to his home under the guise of extra tuition. Gary Day-Davies, 55, from Swinton, Greater Manchester, was convicted of multiple offences committed between 2006 and 2009 at the Salford school where he taught and at his residence.
Details of the Abuse
The victim, a pupil at the time, was lured to Day-Davies' house for additional academic support. Once there, he plied her with drugs and alcohol before subjecting her to sexual assaults. The abuse extended to school premises, where Day-Davies assaulted the girl in the library and a classroom store cupboard.
Court Proceedings
At Liverpool Crown Court on June 8, Day-Davies was found guilty on three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of sexual assault by touching of a child. He had denied all allegations, claiming the victim "must have just held a bit of a grudge." The court heard a powerful victim impact statement, in which the survivor expressed relief at the verdict, stating, "I can finally breathe and think for myself without constant fear. I finally have justice."
Police Response
Inspector Dave Ogden of Greater Manchester Police's Criminal Investigation Department in Salford praised the victim's courage in reporting the crimes in 2022. He emphasized that time is no barrier to justice, urging other survivors to come forward: "We will listen, support, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators."
