In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 39-year-old Rajinder Chahal avoided an immediate prison sentence after sending a sexual message to a 15-year-old girl. Following proceedings at Derby Crown Court, the defendant—of Springwood Farm Road, Midway, Swadlincote—pleaded guilty to one count of sexual communication with a child. It was reported that Chahal targeted the teenager over the social media platform Instagram in January 2018, sending a series of messages late at night.
The investigation established that Chahal messaged the victim around 10:00 pm to ask if she was out, to which she replied she was in bed. Derbyshire Constabulary reported that the defendant continued to send messages, including a “love heart,” before sending a final communication of a sexual nature. The prosecution reported that the victim immediately blocked Chahal and the matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest in March 2018.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Chahal initially provided “no comment” during his police interview but entered a guilty plea at his first appearance at Derby Crown Court. The investigation established that the defendant claimed to have sent the message while under the influence of alcohol. Mitigating factors presented to the court included Chahal’s attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous and bereavement counselling following the death of his father.
Judge Jonathan Bennett presided over the sentencing in 2019, where he ruled that the offence passed the custody threshold but decided to suspend the term. For his actions in Swadlincote and online, Chahal was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. The judge noted that Chahal, a recovery driver, had provided a letter expressing his regret, though the court mandated strict rehabilitation and unpaid work requirements to address his behavior.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Rajinder Chahal as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 6 months (Sentenced 2019; Suspended for 18 months).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were active for 7 years (Scheduled to expire in 2026).
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active (Duration determined by the court in 2019).
- Community Requirements: 180 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity days.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Derby Crown Court, following a Derbyshire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual communication with a child.
- Origin: Midway, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Chahal is managed as a registered sex offender within the Derbyshire area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the predatory use of Instagram to send sexual messages to a minor, his management is a priority for the Derbyshire Constabulary Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of using social media to target a 15-year-old girl requires monitoring to ensure he adheres to the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts certain digital activities.
As a registered sex offender, Chahal’s details remain on the national police database. Authorities state that while he sought help for alcohol issues, his behavior demonstrated a willingness to exploit social media to harass a child. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements, any breach of his SHPO, or any further inappropriate contact with minors in Swadlincote or Derby will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.
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