DERRICK SCOLLICK BORTHWICK JAILED IN THIRSK FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL
In March 2006, Derrick Scollick, also known as Borthwick, a resident of Thirsk, was sentenced to a two-year prison term after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a girl under the age of 16.The conviction followed a court hearing at Teesside Crown Court, where Scollick, aged 26 and residing at Steads Yard, Market Place, Thirsk, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a minor and one count of possessing an indecent video depicting a child.
As part of his sentencing, the court ordered Scollick to register as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, he was prohibited from being in the company of anyone under 16 unless accompanied by an adult, and was barred from working with children under that age.
The judge, who reviewed footage of Scollick engaging in sexual acts with the teenage girl, stated that the girl had clearly consented to the acts.
Prosecutor Christopher Attwooll revealed that the girl’s mother had effectively condoned the relationship, telling police that her daughter was in love with Scollick.
The court heard that Scollick would meet the girl after she disembarked from her school bus, and that her mother described him as very helpful to their family.
Mr.
Attwooll explained that authorities became aware of Scollick’s contact with the girl and other minors when police and social services intervened.
Despite being identified as a high-risk sex offender, Scollick initially denied any contact when visited by authorities.
He had previously befriended the girl’s family, and her mother admitted that she was aware of the sexual relationship, stating, “She loves him, what can I do?” The relationship had progressed to sexual activity, which Scollick recorded on his mobile phone.
It was also revealed that Scollick had previously used the alias Borthwick in 1997, when he was sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to rape an 11-year-old girl.
During that period, he had also befriended the family of the victim.
Later, he was fined for failing to inform police of his change of name and address, as required by law for sex offenders.
Defense lawyer John Gillette told the court that the girl, who was 16 at the time of sentencing, had exchanged numerous letters with Scollick while he was incarcerated, and both parties wished to rekindle their relationship following his release.
Judge George Moorhouse emphasized that the sentence was primarily for the protection of the public.
He noted that the relationship appeared to be consensual, based on the video evidence and correspondence, but expressed concern over Scollick’s high risk of reoffending and the potential emotional and psychological harm to young girls.
The judge concluded that there was a significant danger to the community, especially to young females, and therefore, a custodial sentence was necessary to safeguard the public.
The judge left the matter of Scollick’s release date to the discretion of the Parole Board, underscoring the seriousness of the offenses and the ongoing risk posed by the offender.
