ANTHONY HURT FROM TIBSHELF JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DERBYSHIRE PUB

In July 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded at The Royal Oak pub in Tibshelf, Derbyshire, involving Anthony Hurt, a 32-year-old man whose actions led to his imprisonment. The court heard that Hurt engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl inside a pub toilet cubicle, an act that shocked witnesses and prompted a serious legal response.

According to court testimony, Hurt was observed making groaning sounds from the cubicle at The Royal Oak, a well-known local pub in Tibshelf. The victim, who was only 15 at the time, was later discovered lying in the cubicle with her trousers down, visibly distressed and crying. Witnesses described her as resembling a “rag doll,” noting that she had been allowed to consume alcohol from others nearby, which appeared to impair her mental state significantly.

Further details revealed that Hurt, who resides on Raven Avenue in Tibshelf, had made a sexual remark about the young girl prior to the incident. Witnesses confirmed that Hurt entered the pub through a rear smoking door and proceeded directly to the ladies’ toilet. Shortly after, some witnesses reported hearing moaning and sexual noises emanating from the cubicle, raising alarm among those present.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, July 27, provided a detailed account of the events. She stated, “She alerted others and Mr Hurt was found in the cubicle.” The victim was found in a distressed state, with her clothing in disarray and her appearance heavily disheveled. Rose described her as heavily intoxicated, which contributed to her vulnerability. The witnesses expressed their outrage at Hurt’s actions, and it was noted that he was assaulted at the scene before fleeing before the police arrived. Hurt was unaware of what was happening at the time, according to reports.

Hurt, who has no prior criminal record, admitted to authorities that he could not remember the events of that night. He claimed to have consumed approximately 15 pints of lager, along with shots and cocaine, which impaired his memory. Although there was no direct evidence of sexual intercourse or physical contact, Hurt pleaded guilty to inciting a girl aged between 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity during the period of December 5 to 6, 2015.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, shared her emotional toll, stating, “It’s robbed me of my innocence, self-esteem and dignity.” She described the ongoing impact on her life, including difficulties at school, struggles with her mental health, and episodes of self-harm, depression, and panic attacks. She expressed her pain, saying, “I am trying to move on but I feel like it’s changed my life forever.”

Defense lawyer Tony Stanford acknowledged the gravity of Hurt’s actions, emphasizing his shame and remorse. He explained that Hurt found it difficult to accept what he had done and attributed his behavior to alcohol and, to a lesser extent, cocaine use that night.

Judge John Burgess sentenced Hurt to 21 months in prison. Additionally, Hurt was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and was prohibited from working with children. A restraining order was also issued to prevent Hurt from contacting the victim. The court did not impose a separate penalty for possession of cocaine, a Class A drug, but the overall sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect the public, especially vulnerable minors.