DEREK FARRAND'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BLACKPOOL AND HEYWOOD: EX-TEACHER JAILED FOR ABUSING SISTERS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Blackpool and Heywood, Derek Farrand, a former educator, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes involving two young sisters. The allegations reveal a pattern of grooming and sexual abuse that began shortly before Farrand’s retirement from his role at Palatine High School in Blackpool during the summer of 2009.

Farrand, aged 59 and residing on Severn Road in Heywood, was found to have committed multiple acts of sexual assault against one of the girls, as well as an assault on her older sister. The crimes came to light in June of the previous year when Farrand’s partner discovered a CD containing indecent images, including photographs of the young victim. This discovery prompted Farrand to turn himself into the police, leading to a detailed investigation.

The court heard that Farrand’s misconduct extended beyond physical abuse. He had taken explicit photographs of the girl, even capturing images of himself abusing her. His inappropriate actions also included buying gifts such as sweets, drinks, and even a mobile phone for the young girl, which the prosecution described as deliberate acts of grooming aimed at establishing a manipulative relationship. Despite knowing that the younger sister had previously been raped and had endured a court case that resulted in her attacker’s imprisonment, Farrand continued his predatory behavior.

During the trial at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Alaric Bassano, outlined the extent of Farrand’s misconduct. They emphasized that his actions were motivated by self-interest and a disturbing infatuation with the young girl. The court was told that Farrand’s abuse was a betrayal of trust, especially given his former position as a deputy headteacher and acting head at Palatine High School. The family of the victims described the betrayal as immense, expressing their pain and the impact of the revelations.

In a heartfelt statement, the girls’ parents conveyed their anguish, stating, “I wish they had thrown away the key. But we hope now he can’t hurt anyone else the way he has hurt us. We are having to move house now because he knows where we live. We trusted him from the background he came from, he was an ex-deputy headteacher. It’s been a very distressing few months, when it all came out it was like somebody had ripped my heart out and torn it to shreds.”

Farrand’s defense, led by Graham Campbell, argued that there was no grooming involved and that Farrand was a man who had served his community well. However, the court found his arguments unconvincing given the evidence of his actions. Farrand also possessed hundreds of indecent images unrelated to the victims on his computer.

Judge Jeffrey Lewis sentenced Farrand to four years in prison for each of the sexual assaults, to be served concurrently, and an additional six months for possessing indecent images. The judge condemned Farrand’s betrayal of childhood innocence, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. Furthermore, Farrand was banned from working with children, placed under a restraining order preventing contact with the victims’ family, and subjected to a sexual offences prevention order to prevent future harm.

This case underscores the devastating impact of abuse and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children, especially when perpetrators are individuals in trusted positions within the community.