BOBBY BONSALL AND CRAIG BALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL IN ASHBOURNE AND BRADBOURNE

In December 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving two men from Derbyshire who engaged in sexual activities with the same underage girl, after exchanging messages with her via Snapchat. The incident, which took place in the areas of Ashbourne and Bradbourne, has drawn significant attention from the local community and the justice system alike.

Derby Crown Court heard how Bobby Bonsall, aged 24 and residing on Station Street in Ashbourne, was the first to initiate contact with the teenage girl. Their communication began in June 2017 when Bonsall sent her a selfie and learned her age. The court was told that the pair exchanged messages, and their relationship quickly escalated. During that summer, Bonsall and the girl shared their first kiss. Subsequently, Bonsall invited her to his home, where they watched television together. During this visit, he asked her if she wanted to have sex, to which she responded affirmatively. They then engaged in sexual activity, after which Bonsall abruptly ceased all contact with her.

Later that year, in the autumn, Craig Ball, a 29-year-old father of two from Brassington Lane in Bradbourne, also contacted the girl via Snapchat. He asked her how old she was, and she confirmed her age. Ball sent her messages containing kisses and expressed a desire to be 'his forever.' He then invited her to his house, where she arrived wearing her school uniform. A week later, Ball contacted her again, and she visited him once more. During this second meeting, he asked if she wanted to have sex, and she replied yes. The girl’s mother became suspicious when her daughter started acting strangely, leading her to discover what had transpired. The police were subsequently called to investigate the matter.

In police interviews, Bonsall claimed that the victim was “quite happy to have sex with him,” while Ball initially denied any wrongdoing. However, once DNA swabs confirmed his involvement, he admitted to the offense, explaining that he was “scared” to admit the truth at first.

Judge Nirmal Shant QC sentenced Bonsall to a 21-month prison term, suspended for two years. The judge emphasized that the activities committed by both men were “just short of grooming,” and he made it clear that he saw no reason to differentiate between their behaviors. Bonsall’s legal representative, Waheed Baber, noted that his client was currently unemployed due to the fallout from this case.

Craig Ball was sentenced to 16 months in prison, also suspended for two years. His barrister, Stefan Fox, highlighted that Ball is employed as a chef and now lives with a new partner on a farm. Fox expressed remorse on behalf of his client, stating that Ball is genuinely ashamed of his actions and regrets the distress caused. He also noted that Ball is unable to have contact with his two children and fears the prospect of custody.

Both men were placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years, and they received 10-year sexual harm prevention orders along with restraining orders prohibiting contact with the victim or her family for the same duration. Additionally, they were ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, aiming to address their behavior and prevent future offenses.