DENNIS RAFFERTY FROM DERBY AND KILBURN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In October 2013, a deeply disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Dennis Rafferty, a man with ties to Derby and Kilburn. Rafferty, aged 67 at the time, was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison for heinous crimes committed against a young boy. The victim, who was just seven years old when the abuse began, endured years of suffering at the hands of Rafferty, who worked in various pubs around Derby. The abuse persisted over a period of seven years, leaving the young boy emotionally shattered and scarred for life.

It was only in 2011 that the victim, overwhelmed by the trauma, found the courage to report the abuse to Derbyshire police authorities. His decision to come forward was driven by a desire to seek justice and to prevent Rafferty from harming another child. The victim, who has struggled with depression and has made multiple suicide attempts due to the abuse, expressed his feelings about the case, stating: “They listened to me and said they would sort it out. The most important thing was people believed me and my family supported me. I moved counties because I didn’t want to be looked upon as a victim. I still don’t feel what they call closure but there is the fact people believed me so that is something positive out of it. He took the innocence of my childhood and I hope he rots in his little cell. Anyone who does what he did is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. He should never be allowed out on the streets again.”

During the sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court, Recorder Paul Mann QC delivered a stern message to Rafferty, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. He stated, “It is often said paedophiles like you steal children’s childhoods. You cripple people emotionally for life. This is an extremely serious case of its kind. He was ten when you raped him for the first time. You had been asking him to let you do that for some time and he always said no. You had your way against his wishes. He had a convulsive fit. He was emotionally wrecked, resorted to drugs and made attempts at suicide. You have led the life of a predatory paedophile.”

Prosecutor Grace Hale detailed the extent of Rafferty’s abuse, revealing that the young boy was subjected to sexual acts over several years, resulting in physical injuries. It was also disclosed that another young victim had been abused at Rafferty’s residence years earlier. The court heard that when the victim was 14, he encountered the term “paedophile” among his peers and inquired about its meaning. He was told it involved children being touched inappropriately. Hale recounted that the boy confronted Rafferty about the term, asking if he was a paedophile. Rafferty denied it, but the victim refused to engage in further sexual activity, asserting that it was wrong. Subsequently, Rafferty ceased giving the boy gifts such as sweets, chocolates, cigarettes, and money, which had previously been used to manipulate him.

However, Rafferty’s predatory behavior did not end there. He attempted to re-engage with the victim three years later, which led to the boy fleeing in distress onto a busy road, narrowly avoiding being hit by traffic. Police intervened and rescued him, taking him home. The victim, overwhelmed by the trauma, turned to alcohol, drugs, and self-harm as coping mechanisms. He also reported difficulties in forming meaningful relationships due to the lasting impact of the abuse.

In 2011, the victim finally disclosed the full extent of his suffering to the police, describing how Rafferty’s actions had tainted his entire childhood. Rafferty’s defense lawyer, Steve Gosnell, acknowledged the gravity of the case, stating, “He knows he could see the end of his life incarcerated. He made a decision to plead guilty at 67. He knows where the sentence will take him.” Gosnell also highlighted that Rafferty’s early plea avoided the victim having to testify in court, which could have caused further distress.

Following his conviction, Rafferty was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. He had been in custody since April, with his sentencing occurring in June. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, publicity was restricted until other legal proceedings concluded. The court’s decision underscored the seriousness of Rafferty’s crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.

After the sentencing, Derbyshire police officer DC Michelle Crilley praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She expressed hope that the case would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to report their experiences, emphasizing the importance of justice and support for survivors. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children.