DANIEL CHAPMAN FROM TADCASTER SENTENCED FOR PREGNANT UNDERAGE GIRL IN YORK

In April 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Daniel Chapman, a 25-year-old man from Tadcaster, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and causing her to become pregnant. The incident drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the offenses and the impact on the young victim.

According to the prosecution led by Peter Hampton, Chapman initiated contact with the girl through Facebook, a social media platform, and their relationship quickly escalated. The two met in person for the first time, during which Chapman engaged in sexual activity with the underage girl. This act was particularly egregious given the age difference and the fact that the girl was only 15 at the time.

Subsequently, the girl discovered she was pregnant and, at five months pregnant, was taken to York Hospital’s accident and emergency department by her mother due to severe stomach pains. Medical examinations confirmed her pregnancy, and shortly after, she made the difficult decision to undergo an abortion. The procedure took place 11 days after the pregnancy was confirmed, marking a tragic chapter in her young life.

During the court proceedings, Judge Paul Batty QC, the Recorder of York, addressed Chapman directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge highlighted that Chapman had exerted significant pressure on the girl, partly due to the age disparity and his status as an adult man. The court noted that Chapman had been seeking sexual encounters following a breakup with his previous girlfriend four months prior. The judge described how Chapman had befriended the girl, bought her cigarettes, and flattered her, ultimately leading to their sexual relationship.

In addition to the three-year and four-month prison sentence, Chapman was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. A five-year restraining order was also issued, prohibiting him from making any contact with the girl. Chapman, who resides on York Road in Tadcaster, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Vincent Blake-Barnard, his defense barrister, revealed that Chapman’s current girlfriend was expecting their child in a few weeks, adding a layer of complexity to his personal circumstances. The victim impact statement, read out by Mr. Hampton, painted a bleak picture of the lasting effects on the girl. She expressed that the incident had severely damaged her ability to trust others, and she had suffered from anxiety, depression, and self-harm as a result of the trauma.

Chapman’s lawyer also noted that the conviction had devastating consequences for him, including the loss of his job as a joiner and future difficulties after his release from prison. Despite these hardships, his current partner stated she would be waiting for him when he completes his sentence.

Initially, Chapman denied having sexual relations with the girl. However, DNA evidence conclusively proved that he was the father of her unborn child, leading him to admit his involvement in the offense. The case underscores the serious repercussions of online grooming and underage sexual activity, highlighting the profound impact on victims and their families.