In 2021, Andrew Ditchfield, the Grimsby Paedophile, who exploited youngsters in the suburbs of Derby, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire for two decades, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with a further eight years on licence.
Andrew Ditchfield perpetrated numerous egregious sexual offences, including rapes and sexual assaults, against multiple victims between the 1990s and 2000s.
The abuse occurred in Chaddesden, Littleover, Sinfin, and Alvaston during the 1990s and early 2000s, where he perpetrated his offences in residences, campsites, and recreational facilities.
The 54-year-old, characterised as a “manipulative and predatory paedophile,” preyed upon highly vulnerable children in Derbyshire before relocating to Lincolnshire, where he persisted in his offences.
The defendant refuted the charges, necessitating that all 14 of his identified victims testify and recount the harrowing incidents at Derby Crown Court during his trial in August of this year, an ordeal that prompted one victim to try suicide.
The court was informed that his victims had been profoundly affected by the abuse, with numerous individuals experiencing flashbacks, challenges in establishing intimate relationships, difficulties in trusting men, the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.
A jury subsequently reached a unanimous verdict, convicting Andrew Ditchfield of 43 charges, which encompassed numerous counts of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, attempted buggery, indecency with a child, sexual conduct with a child, and sexual assault.
On Friday, October 15, at the same court, Andrew Ditchfield, currently residing in Fourways, Tetney, Grimsby, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
James Varley, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the defendant was someone “whose entire existence appeared to centre on the sexual exploitation and grooming of young boys.”
Mr. Varley stated: “The defendant is a predatory paedophile who exploits the young and the vulnerable, predominantly targeting susceptible teenage boys.”
He stated that Andrew Ditchfield frequently employed booze, narcotics, and the accessibility of pornography to establish rapport with his victims, while also utilising an enhanced vehicle to attract their notice.
He would cultivate friendships with parents who were invested in their children and presented himself as a social worker committed to assisting at-risk youth.
The court was informed that Andrew Ditchfield initiated his criminal behaviour by inviting minors to spend the night at his residence, subsequently escalating to having his victims share his bed and ultimately sexually assaulting them.
This involved engaging in sexual actions with them. In several instances, he would sexually assault or attempt to sexually assault his victims.
On one occasion, he even privately adopted one of his victims, submitting fake paperwork to a court saying he was a foster carer.
After moving to Lincolnshire, he continued to abuse children before he was eventually arrested in 2017.
Mr Varley said Andrew Ditchfield had devastated the lives of his victims, all of whom submitted emotional impact statements.
He said one victim “didn’t get a chance at a childhood”, while multiple victims had attempted to take their own lives.
Many had been diagnosed with mental health issues as a result of the abuse, with some suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
Charlotte Rimmer, mitigating on behalf of Andrew Ditchfield, told the court his family remain supportive of him.
She said, “He was adopted as a baby. His adoptive parents, with whom he has remained in contact, remain supportive of him. It’s a close-knit family that he comes from. The whole family are utterly shocked by these proceedings.”
She added that there was very little in the way of personal mitigation, given that Andrew Ditchfield denied the offences.
“He accepts that a lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable,” she said.
Judge Robert Egbuna imprisoned Andrew Ditchfield for 30 years and gave him an extended licence of eight years, giving him a total sentence of 38 years.
An extended sentence is designed for offenders who are extremely dangerous but for whom a sentence of life imprisonment is not justified.
He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, preventing him from having contact with children until further notice.
Judge Egbuna said: “This was a campaign of offending stretching over a number of years. These [offences] were clearly planned. You targeted vulnerable children.
“You groomed your victims, you distanced them from their families and were in a position of trust.
“The consequences of your abuse have been significant, and many view the word significant as an understatement.”
Judge Egbuna added that while Ditchfield had also abused two young girls, he was of the belief that he had only done this to provide himself with sexual experience for when he attempted to fool people into thinking he was in relationships with women.
“[It is said] you are dangerous, a fact I agree with having presided over this case,” he said.
“It’s clear you would use any form of deception to satisfy your needs.
“You are a manipulative and cunning man. That I have seen clearly for myself from observing you while giving evidence.”
Ditchfield was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order preventing him from having contact with children until further notice.
Chris Knowles from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The sheer scale of Andrew Ditchfield’s offending is staggering.
“Prosecuting this case has revealed a picture of relentless offending, preying on the most vulnerable children the defendant could find and doing unspeakable harm to these people’s lives.
“Ditchfield portrayed himself as the person people thought they wanted in their lives, providing attention and excitement. He manipulated families and carers to believe in him. The betrayal of this trust left survivors feeling alone and isolated.
“Understandably, people have come forward as they have heard about the investigation and the case. It is so important that all of Andrew Ditchfield’s victims have had a voice.
“This has meant that we have built a case that has shown Andrew Ditchfield for who he is – a dangerous and manipulative predator.
“Even throughout his trial, he has lied about his actions and refused to take responsibility. Instead, he blamed his victims, accusing them of colluding to invent their allegations.
“The guilty verdicts from the jury and today’s sentence have shown that he, and only he, is to blame. I hope that having their voices heard in court will be of some help to the survivors of this appalling abuse.
“In preparing for today’s sentencing, the CPS has made it clear to the court just how much of a risk Andrew Ditchfield poses to society. The seriousness of his offending and refusal to accept responsibility for his actions have been reflected in today’s jail term.”
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.