DEREK DEARING OF ECCLESHILL SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BRADFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Eccleshill, Bradford, Derek Dearing, aged 58, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls over a span of more than two decades. The court heard that Dearing, a resident of Leafield Way in Eccleshill, engaged in a disturbing pattern of abuse that stretched back approximately 25 years, targeting vulnerable girls and exploiting their innocence.

During the proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, the judge, Peter Benson, described Dearing’s actions as a “catalogue of sexual abuse,” emphasizing the long-term impact on his victims. The jury convicted Dearing last month on 11 counts of indecent assault involving four girls whose ages ranged from just seven to 15 years old at the time of the offenses.

One of the young victims, in a harrowing account, recounted how she tried to defend herself by using her toy hobby horse when Dearing attempted to assault her. The court was told that another girl, who was assaulted on a canal towpath, continues to suffer from behavioral issues and fears men, illustrating the lasting trauma inflicted by Dearing’s actions. A different victim, aged 13 at the time, was sexually assaulted by Dearing, while another, who was only eight or nine, described being kissed sexually and indecently touched. The youngest victim, approximately seven years old, was also subjected to Dearing’s abuse.

Prosecutor Michael Smith highlighted the enduring effects of Dearing’s crimes, noting that one victim still experiences nightmares and fears men, underscoring the profound psychological damage caused. In response, Judge Benson imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits Dearing from working with children or having any unsupervised contact with minors. Additionally, Dearing is required to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.

During the hearing, Dearing’s legal representative, Simon Hustler, stated that these were his client’s first criminal convictions. It was also revealed that Dearing found his time in custody prior to sentencing particularly difficult, experiencing significant weight loss. The court was informed of the detailed allegations, including that Dearing repeatedly pinned one girl against a sofa and indecently assaulted her, and that he kissed and assaulted another girl sexually.

Following the conviction, Detective Sergeant Stuart Lyons, who led the investigation, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing that it reflects the severity of Dearing’s crimes against vulnerable children. Lyons stated, “He must have thought he had got away with these offences, carried out up to 24 years ago on young and vulnerable girls, and this conviction demonstrates that offenders such as Dearing will not escape justice.” Lyons also added that the victims could find some solace and closure knowing that their attacker is now behind bars, providing a measure of reassurance after such a traumatic ordeal.