In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 24-year-old Bobby Bonsall and 29-year-old Craig Ball were sentenced for the sexual abuse of the same underage girl. Following proceedings at Derby Crown Court, the defendants—of Ashbourne and Bradbourne, Derbyshire—pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. It was reported that the pair utilized Snapchat to target the teenager in 2017, with Ball notably engaging in sexual activity with the victim after she arrived at his home wearing her school uniform.
The investigation established that Bonsall, of Station Street, Ashbourne, was the first to contact the victim in June 2017. Derbyshire Constabulary reported that despite the girl explicitly telling him her age and sending a selfie, Bonsall invited her to his home in August 2017 to have sex, before abruptly breaking off contact. The prosecution reported that later that autumn, Ball, of Brassington Lane, Bradbourne, contacted the same girl, sending messages asking if she wanted to be his “forever” and twice engaging in sexual activity with her.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that both men were fully aware of the girl’s age and that their behavior fell just short of grooming. Derby Crown Court heard that the girl’s mother became suspicious after noticing her daughter acting strangely, leading to the police being called. The investigation established that while Bonsall claimed the victim was happy to have sex, Ball initially denied the allegations until he was informed that DNA evidence had been collected, at which point he admitted he was scared to tell the truth.
Judge Nirmal Shant QC presided over the sentencing in 2019, where she decided to impose suspended prison terms for both men. For his actions in Ashbourne, Bonsall was handed a 21-month sentence, suspended for two years. For his actions in Bradbourne, Ball was handed a 16-month sentence, also suspended for two years. The judge noted that both men were ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation sessions and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work to address their predatory behavior.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Bobby Bonsall and Craig Ball as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentences: Bonsall (21 months suspended); Ball (16 months suspended).
- Sex Offenders Register: Both are active on the register until 2029 (10-year requirement).
- SHPO Status: 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Orders active until 2029.
- Restraining Orders: 10-year orders prohibiting contact with the victim or her family.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Derby Crown Court, following a Derbyshire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Records: Sexual activity with a child (Ball – 2 counts; Bonsall – 1 count).
- Origins: Ashbourne and Bradbourne, Derbyshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Both Bonsall and Ball are managed as registered sex offenders within the Derbyshire area. Due to the nature of their conduct, which involved the calculated use of Snapchat to target a schoolgirl, their management is a priority for the Derbyshire Constabulary Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that their history of ignoring the victim’s age—even when she was in school uniform—requires strict monitoring to ensure they adhere to their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, which restrict their digital interactions and contact with minors.
As registered sex offenders until 2029, both men’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that their behavior demonstrated a total lack of regard for the law and the safety of a child. Any failure to comply with their notification requirements, any breach of their restraining orders, or any further inappropriate contact with minors in Ashbourne, Bradbourne, or the wider Derbyshire area will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.
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