ANTHONY DURANT OF CASTLE GRESLEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS IN DERBY

In a case that has shocked the community of Castle Gresley, Anthony Durant, aged 47, has been sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing crimes involving the sexual exploitation of two young girls. The offences, which spanned over five years, included not only acts of abuse but also efforts to silence the victims through financial means.

According to the proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Durant, who resides on Arthur Street in Castle Gresley, engaged in a pattern of grooming and sexually abusing the girls, both of whom were under the age of 16 at the time. The court heard that Durant provided the victims with sums of money, approximately between £200 and £250, during this period, in exchange for their participation in sexual acts. These acts took place in various locations around his home, including a summer house and a garage, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal his misconduct.

Prosecutor Mark Watson detailed how Durant’s manipulative behavior extended beyond abuse to include attempts to buy the girls’ silence. He revealed that Durant had paid the victims to keep quiet about what had transpired, and by May 2009, the total amount paid had reached around £200 to £250. The court was also informed that one of the girls had sent a text message to Durant, which was intercepted by his wife, revealing the extent of Durant’s efforts to cover up his actions. The emotional toll on the victims was evident, with reports indicating that one girl had turned to alcohol and self-harm, while the other had become withdrawn and isolated.

Durant faced multiple charges, including nine counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, as well as an additional count involving a child under 16. He admitted to these charges, acknowledging his guilt in causing harm to the young girls.

During mitigation, Sarah Munro, representing Durant, expressed that her client was deeply remorseful for his actions. She emphasized that his guilty pleas had spared the victims from enduring a lengthy and traumatic trial, and highlighted that Durant had no prior convictions of a similar nature. Munro also pointed out that Durant accepted and understood the damage he had caused.

Despite these pleas, the court noted the severity of his crimes. Recorder Shaun Smith QC described Durant’s actions as a thorough and utter corruption of the victims, stating, “You have done untold damage to those two girls.” The judge also referenced the numerous positive references from people who described Durant as “honest and reliable,” but emphasized that Durant had led a “double life.”

In sentencing, Durant was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the impact on the victims and the community of Castle Gresley.