DEREK HARDMAN SENTENCED IN BURNLEY FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A CHILD

In March 2025, a man identified as 64-year-old Derek Hardman, a known sex offender from Burnley, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The case drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the offenses and the impact on the victim.

On September 28, 2022, authorities were alerted to allegations that Hardman had engaged in sexual acts with a vulnerable 16-year-old girl in Burnley. Following this report, police swiftly apprehended Hardman, who initially denied any involvement or wrongdoing during police interviews. Despite his denials, a thorough investigation was conducted, which uncovered a substantial body of evidence that contradicted his claims of innocence.

Among the evidence were numerous concerning text messages sent by Hardman to the victim, which played a crucial role in establishing the facts of the case. The offenses all took place within the town of Burnley, highlighting the local nature of the crimes.

At the time of his arrest, Hardman was described as being without a fixed address, making it difficult to locate him. He was eventually brought before Burnley Crown Court in November, where he was convicted on five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The court's decision marked a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

Today, on March 3rd, Hardman appeared once again at Burnley Crown Court to face sentencing. The court handed down an 11-year and nine-month prison sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Additionally, Hardman was subjected to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his activities and movements to protect the public. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

During the proceedings, the victim provided a heartfelt statement to the court, describing the profound and lasting effects of the abuse. She stated, “I am not working at the moment and I think that some of it is due to the effect that the crimes have had on me. It has really affected my mental health. I don’t like going out on my own and I don’t go out at night. I’m too scared.”

She further revealed, “I have had nightmares about what Derek did to me. The doctor prescribed me sleeping tablets for this. I still have sleepless nights and nightmares about what happened. I was diagnosed with PTSD in February 2023 as a result of the crimes committed against me. This is something that I need to work through.”

Hardman’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice in Burnley and beyond.