ANDREW DITCHFIELD FROM TETNEY SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE IN DERBYSHIRE AND LINCOLNSHIRE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, Andrew Ditchfield, a man residing in Tetney, has been sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed over nearly two decades. The offences, which include multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, indecency with a child, and other sexual misconduct, have left a trail of devastation among his victims, many of whom were extremely vulnerable children.

Andrew Ditchfield, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, was described by the court as a manipulative and predatory paedophile. His criminal activities spanned from the early 1990s through the 2000s, beginning in Derbyshire before moving to Lincolnshire, where he continued his offending. The severity and duration of his crimes prompted a lengthy and detailed trial at Derby Crown Court, which concluded in August of this year.

During the trial, all 14 survivors of Ditchfield’s abuse were compelled to give evidence, reliving their traumatic experiences in front of the court. The process was so distressing that one of the victims attempted to take their own life. The court heard that these individuals had been left emotionally shattered, suffering from flashbacks, difficulty forming trusting relationships, and developing conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Many also struggled with depression and anxiety, and some had attempted suicide as a result of their suffering.

The jury, after careful deliberation, unanimously found Ditchfield guilty of 43 separate offences. These included multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, attempted buggery, sexual activity with a child, and other forms of sexual assault. The gravity of his crimes was underscored by the court’s recognition of the extensive harm inflicted upon his victims.

On October 15, at the same court, Ditchfield was formally sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment, with an additional eight years on licence, meaning he will be under supervision for a significant period after his release. Prosecutor James Varley described Ditchfield as a man “whose entire life seemingly revolved around the sexual abuse and grooming of young boys.”

Mr. Varley emphasized that Ditchfield was a predatory paedophile who targeted vulnerable young males, often exploiting their trust through manipulative tactics. He would frequently use alcohol, drugs, and access to pornography to gain the confidence of his victims. Ditchfield also employed a “souped-up” car to attract the attention of potential victims and would befriend parents who showed interest in their children, portraying himself as a social worker or someone eager to help vulnerable children.

The court heard that Ditchfield’s offending began with children sleeping over at his house, which gradually escalated to more invasive and sexual acts. Victims recounted how he would have them sleep in his bed, perform oral sex, and in some cases, he attempted to, or successfully did, rape them. In a disturbing twist, Ditchfield even went as far as to adopt one of his victims privately, submitting fake paperwork to court claiming he was a foster carer.

The abuse took place across various locations, including houses, campsites, and leisure facilities in Derbyshire. After relocating to Lincolnshire, Ditchfield continued his predatory behavior until his arrest in 2017. The impact on his victims has been profound, with many providing emotional impact statements that revealed the long-lasting scars of his abuse. One survivor stated that they “didn’t get a chance at a childhood,” while others shared that they had attempted to end their lives. Many victims have been diagnosed with mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Judge Robert Egbuna, presiding over the case, sentenced Ditchfield to a lengthy prison term and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts him from having contact with children until further notice. The judge condemned Ditchfield’s actions, describing his offending as a “campaign” that was “clearly planned” and targeted vulnerable children. He highlighted how Ditchfield groomed his victims, distanced them from their families, and exploited their trust.

Judge Egbuna also addressed the fact that Ditchfield had abused two young girls, which he believed was motivated by a desire to gain sexual experience and manipulate perceptions of his relationships with women. The judge described Ditchfield as a “dangerous, manipulative, and cunning man,” noting that he used deception to satisfy his needs and that his manipulative nature was evident during the trial. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the profound harm caused to his victims, who are now left to rebuild their lives after enduring such extensive abuse.