CHESTERFIELD SEX OFFENDER GRAHAM DODSON INDICTED FOR ASSAULT ON TEENAGER IN DERBYSHIRE

In August of the previous year, a disturbing incident unfolded in Chesterfield involving Graham Dodson, a man in his 60s, which has left a lasting impact on a young teenage girl from Derbyshire. The victim, whose age remains unspecified but is clearly a minor, was subjected to an unwarranted and invasive sexual assault that has prompted significant concern from local authorities and the justice system alike.

According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Dodson approached the teenage girl in a manner that was both intrusive and inappropriate. He asked her directly about her bra size, a question that was clearly out of place and made her uncomfortable. The situation escalated when Dodson, in a moment of poor judgment, embraced the girl from behind and proceeded to physically touch her breasts without her consent. This act of sexual assault was reported and subsequently led to his arrest and prosecution.

The court heard that Dodson’s behavior was influenced by his alcohol dependency, which was described as consuming between half a bottle to a full bottle of whisky daily at the time of the incident. His barrister, Kate Hopskinson, explained that Dodson has since ceased drinking and expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he did not intend to cause harm and that he had pleaded guilty to the charges to avoid subjecting the victim to a trial.

During a victim impact statement, the teenage girl conveyed the profound emotional toll the assault has taken on her. She revealed that her trust in others, especially adults, has been severely damaged. She now feels uneasy and uncomfortable around people, especially when they get close to her, highlighting the long-lasting psychological effects of the assault.

Judge Shaun Smith KC, presiding over the case, questioned the mindset of Dodson during the incident, asking his barrister, “What was he thinking here?” Hopskinson responded that Dodson was likely not thinking clearly, attributing his behavior to his alcohol dependence. The court was informed that Dodson had pleaded guilty to sexual assault, which was committed in Chesterfield, specifically in the Old Whittington area, where he resides at The Bungalows.

In sentencing, the judge acknowledged Dodson’s alcohol problem and the inappropriate nature of his actions, which occurred while he was intoxicated. As a consequence, Dodson was handed a two-year community order. This order requires him to participate in 55 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, aimed at addressing his alcohol dependency and behavioral issues. Additionally, the court mandated that Dodson be placed on the sex offender register for five years and imposed a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, emphasizing the seriousness of his conduct and the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.