BARRIE DOGGETT FROM BELPER SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Belper, 71-year-old Barrie Doggett has been sentenced to prison for engaging in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a teenage girl. The incident, which came to light in June 2014, revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexual misconduct that spanned over a decade.

According to court proceedings, Doggett had been sending suggestive and inappropriate emails to a girl aged just 14. Prosecutor Sarah Slater detailed that Doggett referred to the girl as 'sexy' and expressed a desire to see her in a bikini, indicating a clear sexual interest. One of his messages from June 2012 explicitly stated, 'We both want one another so much,' despite the girl having made no such encouragement or indication of reciprocation. The court heard that the girl responded with a message saying, 'I hate the way you go on at me. You creep me out,' highlighting her discomfort and the inappropriate nature of his advances.

Further allegations revealed that Doggett's misconduct extended beyond online communication. When he eventually met the girl in person, he touched her breasts over her blouse and attempted to kiss her by trying to put his tongue down her throat. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory behavior and a breach of trust.

The case took a serious turn when Doggett, fearing police investigation, confided in his general practitioner. He reportedly told his doctor that he believed he should be 'chemically castrated' because of his online interactions with the young girl. This admission was part of the evidence considered by Derby Crown Court.

It was also revealed that Doggett had a prior conviction from 1985 for offenses against another 14-year-old girl. At that time, he received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, indicating a history of similar criminal behavior.

In the latest case, Doggett, of Willow Grove, Belper, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse and one count of arranging or facilitating a child sex offense during the summer of 2012. The court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.

During the sentencing, Recorder Adrienne Lucking QC acknowledged Doggett's previous conviction and described the emails as 'sinister,' noting that they served to build the girl’s confidence before his actions turned sexual. The court also highlighted that Doggett had given the girl a computer camera, hoping she would send photographs of herself, which she did not do.

Addressing the significant age gap and Doggett’s apparent lack of insight into his behavior, the judge pointed out the troubling nature of the case. Justin Wigoder, representing Doggett, admitted that his client was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and had sought medical help, though he expressed regret that more effective treatment might have prevented the offenses. The court ultimately imposed a substantial prison term, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed in Belper and the need for justice to be served.