David Lewis, a 44-year-old resident of Woodfield, Wantage, is currently on trial at the Oxford Crown Court facing serious allegations concerning the assault and ill-treatment of a child. The defendant faces six charges of wilfully assaulting a child and one count of wilfully ill-treating a child.
Allegations of Assault
Lewis is accused of engaging in various acts of physical abuse directed at a young boy whose identity is protected under legal restrictions. The allegations include smothering the child with pillows, hitting, pushing, digging knuckles into the child’s legs, slapping, and gripping the boy by the neck.
In his defense, Lewis described some of the allegations as misinterpreted playful behavior, such as pillow fights. He maintained that his actions were not abusive but part of lighthearted interactions. Describing one instance, Lewis said, “Obviously while we were wrestling, there might have been a time where it happened, but it wouldn’t have been held there. It was pillow fights, hitting each other with it. There were times where he would say he had had enough, and I would stop.”
Contentious Incidents Examined
One of the incidents presented in court involved an injury the boy reportedly sustained after being pushed by Lewis. Lewis testified that he had only given the child a “gentle push,” which accidentally led to a fall.
He explained, “[The boy] walked through the door, and I gave a gentle push with my foot to get him out the door. It would have been on the back or bottom. It was a gentle fall, but when he landed, he fell back and bumped his head.”
Lewis further clarified his concern following the incident, stating, “First of all, it was an accident; it wasn’t intentional. I was concerned that he hit his head.”
Dismissed Charge
A significant development occurred when one of the initial charges against Lewis was dropped. He faced an additional count of wilfully ill-treating a child by allegedly inflicting self-harm in the boy’s presence. However, this charge was dismissed by the Crown Prosecution Service in mid-May. The judge subsequently entered a formal ‘not guilty’ plea on Lewis’s behalf regarding this specific allegation.
Next Steps in the Trial
The trial continues as Lewis seeks to defend himself against the remaining charges. During the proceedings, he also addressed allegations of gripping the boy’s neck, denying that any forceful or harmful contact occurred. He claimed his hand had been placed on the boy’s chest before a separate incident ensued.
“There was no force; there was no push, but [the boy] took off the floor and went flying backwards exaggerated,” Lewis stated in court. “It was like a cartoon character, feet together in the air. He had no injuries; he wasn’t hurt.”
Community Resources and Activities
As the trial unfolds, Wantage residents can explore local resources and community activities through our business directory. Whether you’re looking for local services such as child-focused clubs and groups, family-oriented events, or health care professionals, creating a free local business profile or listing an event could help connect with others in our community. To submit a business or an event listing, visit our user-friendly submission pages here: submit a business or submit an event.
Stay updated on this sensitive case as the trial proceeds, and see how Wantage continues to support its residents with helpful initiatives and local services.
