ANTHONY LAMBERT AND STEFAN GODFREY EXPOSED IN DERBY AND KNIVETON CHILD SEX EXPLOITATION CASE

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the communities of Derby, Kniveton, and Pinxton, five men have been found guilty of heinous crimes involving the sexual exploitation of vulnerable teenage girls. The convictions stem from a detailed and extensive investigation conducted by Derbyshire Police, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse targeting girls aged between 13 and 15 years old.

Beginning in July 2010, authorities became increasingly concerned about the safety of young girls seen on the streets of Derby. The investigation revealed that some of these girls were in care, which made them particularly susceptible to exploitation. Working closely with Derby City Council, police identified seven girls involved in the case, five of whom served as victims, while the remaining two provided crucial witness testimony. Despite the girls knowing each other, the investigation found no direct connection between the accused men.

The trial, which lasted five weeks at Derby Crown Court, brought to light the disturbing methods used by the offenders. Among the accused was Anthony Lambert, 51, who was documented to have picked up one of the victims from her care home along with another girl. He then drove them to his residence, where he engaged in sexual acts with one girl on his bed while the other sat on the floor, absorbed in her mobile phone. The court heard that Lambert paid the girls up to £30 for their services on multiple occasions. On a separate incident, Lambert and the girl consumed vodka and smoked cannabis before engaging in sexual activity at his home, with the same financial arrangement.

Other men involved included Stefan Godfrey, 44, from Pinxton; John Shaw, 54, from Kniveton; Ijaz Ahmed, 35, from Derby; and Mark Adaoui, 40, also from Derby. All were convicted of paying for the sexual services of a child. Shaw was also found guilty of the same charge but was acquitted of a separate assault allegation. Additionally, Adaoui was convicted of supplying cannabis alongside paying for sexual acts. The investigation also led to earlier admissions of guilt from five other men, including David Shardlow, who faced nine counts of paying for sexual services and possessing indecent images of children.

In a statement, Derbyshire Police’s Detective Superintendent Andy Stokes emphasized the importance of victim bravery. “These convictions would not have been possible had the victims involved not been brave enough to come forward and speak to police and later give evidence in court,” he said. He highlighted that many of these girls came from unstable or difficult backgrounds, making them easy targets for predators who manipulated their feelings of importance and safety through gifts and attention. The detective stressed that the exploitation was a grave violation of trust and safety, and that the police and social services are committed to safeguarding children from such abuse.

Stokes also pointed out that offenders come from all walks of life, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among agencies. He referenced recent warnings from the Deputy Children’s Commissioner about the disproportionate number of girls in care being exploited and reaffirmed Derbyshire Police’s ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children, including close collaboration with local charities such as Safe and Sound Derby.

During the court proceedings, the victims’ courage was praised by child welfare organizations. Nathalie Walters, CEO of Safe and Sound Derby, commended the victims for their bravery in reliving their traumatic experiences through court testimonies. She expressed hope that the convictions would serve as a deterrent to others and emphasized the importance of ongoing support for victims and their families. Walters highlighted that child exploitation can take many forms, from street grooming to online manipulation, and offenders can be from any background.

Similarly, the charity Family Lives underscored the critical role of parental awareness and education. They urged parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s social interactions, especially regarding the influence of social media and the risks of sexting. The organization emphasized that open conversations about risky behaviors and the dangers of associating with adults offering drugs or alcohol are vital in preventing exploitation.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the sentences for the convicted men vary, with some already serving prison terms or community orders. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child sexual exploitation and the importance of community vigilance, victim support, and robust law enforcement efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society.