MICHAEL HILTON FROM MATLOCK AND WHATSTANDWELL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DERBY

In December 2012, a significant legal decision was made regarding Michael Hilton, a man with ties to the towns of Matlock and Whatstandwell, who faced serious criminal charges related to child sexual offences. Hilton, aged 43 at the time, was convicted at Derby Crown Court in September of the previous year for a series of heinous crimes, including rape, engaging in sexual activities with a minor, and possessing indecent images of children.

Despite his conviction, Hilton maintained his innocence and appealed the verdict in an effort to clear his name. His case was heard by senior judges, including Lord Justice Christopher Pitchford, along with Mrs Justice Dobbs and Judge Francis Gilbert QC. After careful consideration of the evidence and arguments presented, the appeal was ultimately dismissed. However, the appellate court did decide to reduce Hilton’s original sentence from 15 years to 13 years in prison.

Hilton’s criminal activities were committed between September 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. During this period, a young boy courageously testified via a live video link from a separate room at Derby Crown Court, affirming that Hilton had engaged in inappropriate conduct towards him. The boy’s testimony was a pivotal element in securing Hilton’s conviction, with the child explicitly stating that Hilton had “done anything” to his private parts, confirming the allegations as truthful.

Prior to his conviction, Hilton was arrested on April 30, 2011, when authorities discovered a collection of indecent images and videos depicting boys and girls on his computer. This evidence played a crucial role in the case against him. During the trial, Hilton’s defense argued that he was experiencing a low point in his life, describing him as a man who was deeply unhappy with his personal circumstances. His legal representative, Jonathan Goldberg, highlighted Hilton’s service in the Royal Navy, where he served on a nuclear submarine and earned the Dolphins badge, an accolade comparable to RAF Wings, suggesting a background of discipline and service.

At sentencing, Judge John Burgess acknowledged Hilton’s previously clean record and good character but emphasized the severity of the crimes. Hilton was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison, with the terms for sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and possession of indecent images running concurrently. The judge also ordered Hilton to be on the sex offenders’ register, banned him from working or residing in households with children under 16, and prohibited him from taking photographs of minors under 16.

Adding to the gravity of Hilton’s situation, it was revealed that he had been assaulted by fellow inmates while in custody, an incident that resulted in hospitalization. His defense argued that this attack was a reflection of the dangerous environment within the prison system, especially for individuals labeled as offenders of this nature. The court heard that Hilton faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years, reflecting the seriousness of his offences and the impact on his victims and their families.