ALLAN PETTINGER SHOCKS RENISHAW AND DERBY WITH CHILD ABUSE SENTENCE

In March 2018, a disturbing case involving Allan Pettinger, a resident of East Street, Renishaw, has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Pettinger, now 61 years old, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault against young boys during the 1970s, a revelation that has reopened wounds for victims and raised serious concerns about trust and safety within community organizations.

According to court proceedings held at Derby Crown Court on March 6, the allegations against Pettinger stem from his role as a leader within a St John Ambulance group during the 1970s. The court heard that between 1972 and 1978, he exploited his position of authority to abuse boys aged between nine and 15. These assaults took place during camping trips to seaside locations and in the Hope Valley, leaving a lasting emotional scar on the victims, who are now in their 40s.

The court was informed that the victims, inspired to come forward partly due to the exposure of the Jimmy Savile scandal, recounted how the abuse had profoundly affected their mental health. Many described suffering from nightmares, depression, and emotional trauma. One victim, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, expressed his feelings after the sentencing, stating, “I’m pleased that he has finally gone to prison but I’m not happy with the sentence. He’s been given six years and it should have been 16. As victims, we have suffered for years and this doesn’t reflect what he has done.”

Another victim shared that the trauma was so severe that he was unable to bathe his own child when she was young, and he struggled to see his own children naked, illustrating the deep psychological impact of Pettinger’s actions.

During the sentencing, Judge Hilary Watson acknowledged the gravity of the crimes but also considered the circumstances surrounding the case. She sentenced Pettinger to a total of six years in prison, with the second half of his sentence to be served in the community. The judge noted that, at the time of the offences, the maximum sentence she could impose was ten years, but modern guidelines would have allowed for a maximum of 14 years.

In her remarks, Judge Watson emphasized Pettinger’s position of authority and trust, stating, “You were the officer in charge, so when you took these boys away you had parental consent and you had parental responsibility. You were in a position of responsibility that you were able to hide behind and exploit.”

Following the sentencing, Pettinger was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.

Despite the relatively lenient sentence, police officials, including Detective Constable James Wall, urged other victims of historical sexual abuse to come forward. DC Wall expressed gratitude to the victims who had the courage to speak out, saying, “Without the bravery these men have shown by talking about their ordeal, Allan Pettinger would not have been brought to justice. I would like to urge anyone who has been subjected to any sexual offence, regardless of how long ago, to have confidence that their allegations will be thoroughly investigated. Derbyshire Constabulary will take these allegations seriously and do everything possible to bring offenders to justice.”

This case has not only highlighted the ongoing issue of historical abuse but also underscored the importance of community vigilance and support for victims seeking justice.