MALCOLM HUNT OF MICKLEOVER SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES IN DERBY

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Mickleover and the wider Derby area, Malcolm Hunt, a 61-year-old former psychiatric nurse, has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against a young girl.

Hunt's criminal activities spanned several years, during which he repeatedly assaulted the girl, even as he was under investigation and facing previous charges. The court was informed that at the time of his initial conviction in 2011, Hunt had admitted to kissing and indecently touching a patient, actions for which he received a suspended sentence. He publicly expressed remorse, stating he was ashamed of his conduct and that losing his job was the harshest punishment he believed he could face.

However, it was revealed during the recent hearing that Hunt continued to commit sexual offences against the young girl well after his initial conviction. Derby Crown Court heard that his pattern of abuse persisted up until the end of 2011, despite the earlier sentence. The court was told that Hunt's repeated offences included three counts of rape, for which he was sentenced to 12 years each, and seven counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, for which he received two-year sentences. All these sentences are to be served concurrently, with Hunt required to serve a minimum of six years before being eligible for parole.

Judge John Gosling, presiding over the case, expressed his outrage at Hunt's continued offending despite the previous sentence. He stated, “What is shocking is that the previous sentence handed down to you did nothing to stop you from assaulting your victim.” The judge also imposed a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, explicitly prohibiting Hunt from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16. This measure aims to prevent any future harm and ensure public safety.

During the sentencing, Hunt was visibly distressed, holding his head in his hands and weeping as the details of his crimes were read out by prosecutor Julie Warburton. The court also considered a six-month suspended sentence Hunt received earlier for sexually abusing a woman patient in her own home. Hunt had claimed that his actions were attempts to comfort a depressed woman, stating he touched her breast and kissed her neck. The victim described feeling “violated, dirty and let down” by his actions.

Hunt was employed by the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at the time of the earlier offence. He was arrested the day after the incident was reported by the patient and subsequently admitted to sexual activity with a person suffering from a mental disorder. Following his conviction, Hunt expressed remorse, stating he felt ashamed and “desperately sorry,” and claimed that losing his job was the worst punishment he could have received. Despite this, he continued to commit offences against the young girl, which only came to light during the recent trial.

Earlier this year, Hunt was permanently removed from the nursing register, effectively ending his professional career. Kathryn Blackshaw, acting chief executive of the NHS trust, issued a statement emphasizing that Hunt’s criminal actions were entirely unrelated to his professional duties. She expressed shock and disappointment over his conduct and extended condolences to those affected. The trust also provided contact details for support organizations such as Kidscape and Childline for anyone impacted by the case who may need help or counseling.

Hunt’s sentencing marks a significant and somber chapter in the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse and to hold offenders accountable for their actions in the Derby and Mickleover communities.