DAVID HOLFORD FROM INKERSALL CAUGHT IN CHESTERFIELD SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the Chesterfield community, David Holford, a known sex offender from Inkersall, has once again found himself at the center of criminal proceedings related to his inappropriate and illegal conduct involving minors. The latest incident involves Holford moving into a residence with a woman and her 22-month-old daughter, a decision that blatantly violated the strict conditions of his sexual harm prevention order.

It was revealed during a court hearing that Holford deliberately failed to inform the police about his change of living arrangements at the beginning of this year. This omission was not accidental; rather, it was a calculated move because he enjoyed the idea of living as part of a family unit, despite the restrictions placed upon him by the order. The breach of this order, which was set for a duration of ten years, was brought to light by prosecutors who emphasized that Holford knew full well that police would not approve of his new living situation.

Prosecutor Steven Gosnell outlined the gravity of the breach during the proceedings at Derby Magistrates Court. He explained that Holford’s decision to move in with the woman and her young daughter was a clear violation of the conditions of his sexual harm prevention order, which he had previously been ordered to adhere to strictly. The court was also informed that this breach was not known to Judge Shaun Smith QC at the time of Holford’s sentencing in May, when he received a 26-month prison term for other serious offenses.

Holford-Lodge, who previously resided on Clarendon Road in Chesterfield, admitted to breaching his sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with notification requirements on the sex offenders register. As a result, he was sentenced to two concurrent six-month sentences for these violations. Judge Shaun Smith QC expressed regret that he was unaware of the breach at the time of sentencing, stating that had he known, he might have considered a longer sentence. However, he clarified that the additional breach would not have significantly altered the original sentence of 26 months.

During the hearing, the judge issued a stern warning to Holford-Lodge, emphasizing that any further offenses committed upon his release on license would result in his immediate return to prison. The judge’s remarks underscored the seriousness with which the court viewed Holford’s repeated violations and the ongoing threat he posed to the community.

Holford-Lodge’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. In October of the previous year, he was caught by a group of self-styled paedophile hunters who confronted him live on Facebook after he sent explicit images of his private parts to individuals he believed to be underage girls. These decoys, set up by the group “Original Team Hunters 25/8,” exposed his predatory behavior and led to his conviction for multiple offenses. At that time, he was handed a suspended prison sentence of eight months, which was to be served over two years, along with orders to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions.

Further back in his criminal record, in October 2020, Holford-Lodge was again caught by the same group, this time for sending explicit images and attempting to incite sexual activity with minors on social media. His actions included encouraging three decoy accounts to touch themselves sexually, using overly sexual remarks, and sending images of his private parts. These incidents were also broadcast live on Facebook, bringing his predatory behavior into public view. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts, including three of communicating with underage girls for sexual gratification, attempting to incite a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to incite a girl aged 15 to do the same. His sentence for these offenses was an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years, with additional orders for rehabilitation and unpaid work.

Holford-Lodge’s pattern of offending demonstrates a persistent and troubling disregard for the law and the safety of minors. His repeated breaches and the nature of his offenses have prompted ongoing concern among law enforcement and the community alike. Authorities continue to monitor his case closely, emphasizing that any further violations will result in severe consequences, including potential imprisonment. The community remains vigilant, and the courts have made it clear that Holford’s actions are unacceptable and will be met with the full weight of the law.