DEREK BONSTEAD SENTENCED IN NORTHAMPTON FOR ABUSE IN BELLINGE

In August 2009, a disturbing case of child abuse culminated in the sentencing of Derek Bonstead, a 64-year-old man from Bellinge, Northampton. The court heard how Bonstead had subjected a young girl to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse spanning nearly a decade, beginning in 1994 and continuing until 2002. The abuse took place at various locations within Northampton, leaving lasting scars on the victim's life.

During the proceedings at Northampton Crown Court, Judge Christopher Metcalf delivered a stern message to the defendant and the public. He read aloud the victim’s impact statement, which vividly described the devastating effects of the abuse. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed that her childhood was stolen from her, describing her days as “long, dark, miserable.” She recounted how she was exploited and manipulated because of Bonstead’s disturbing obsession with children’s sexuality. Her statement revealed that she was forced to grow up too quickly, gaining knowledge and experiencing trauma that no child should endure.

The victim further explained her struggles with trust and her difficulty forming relationships, especially with men. She admitted to feeling terrified when alone with male company, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by Bonstead’s actions. The court was also informed that Bonstead had made the girl view child pornography on a computer, an act that compounded the severity of his crimes. It was revealed that Bonstead had a prior caution for downloading similar illicit material, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Metcalf emphasized the gravity of Bonstead’s offenses, stating, “You ruined this girl’s life. I consider you to be a real danger to children.” The court sentenced Bonstead to six years in prison, with an extension of license conditions to ensure ongoing supervision after his release. Additionally, Bonstead was ordered to register as a sex offender, prohibiting him from having any contact with children and restricting his access to computers and mobile phones.

Bonstead’s address was noted as Camberley Close, Bellinge, Northampton. The court also took into account his previous caution for downloading child pornography, underscoring the seriousness of his misconduct. His defense lawyer, Francis Laird, argued that Bonstead was nearing retirement age and had no prior convictions, urging the court to consider these factors. However, the judge made it clear that the nature of the offenses warranted a custodial sentence, reflecting the court’s stance on protecting children from such predatory behavior.