NORMAN SPARROW FROM SOMERCOTES JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL IN ILKESTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Somercotes and the surrounding areas, Norman Sparrow, a 53-year-old bus driver, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl he met through his work in Ilkeston.

The incident came to light after the teenage girl, who was a regular passenger on Sparrow's Trent Barton bus route in Ilkeston, developed an obsessive fascination with him. According to court reports, Sparrow initially rejected her advances, but he was eventually persuaded to engage in a sexual relationship with her, partly due to his perception that her feelings were genuine and partly because he was flattered by her attention.

Judge John Gosling, presiding over the case at Derby Crown Court, stated that he did not view Sparrow as a dangerous individual. However, he emphasized that Sparrow's actions were a clear violation of the law designed to protect minors. The judge remarked, "You should have followed your first instincts and stopped what was happening. The girl was very nearly 16, and she encouraged what was happening. But the law is there as much to protect young girls from themselves as from adults like you – old enough to be her grandfather – taking advantage of them."

During the proceedings, Sparrow's defense lawyer, Eddy Leonard, revealed that the teenage girl had admitted to police that her behavior was obsessive and that she had been following Sparrow around. Miss Leonard explained, "She often got on the bus herself to ride around for no other reason than to be near him. She was clearly pursuing him, although that doesn’t make it in any way right."

The court also learned that Sparrow had confided in his wife and colleagues about the girl, jokingly referring to her as his "stalker." It was revealed that Sparrow had received a card from the girl containing her mobile number, which led to a series of text messages and phone calls between them. Over time, Sparrow reportedly began to enjoy her company, and the pair engaged in sexual encounters on four separate occasions.

The case was brought to police attention after a witness, suspicious of the relationship, reported their concerns. Sparrow was subsequently arrested and charged. Earlier this year, a jury found him guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child, covering the period from March to June of the previous year.

Following his conviction, Sparrow expressed remorse and admitted to the offenses. It was also disclosed that after his arrest, Sparrow attempted to take his own life. His wife discovered him lying on the floor, and he was found to be in a coma for three days.

As part of his sentence, Sparrow is required to register as a sex offender and is permanently barred from working with children. Additionally, he has been issued a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts him from entering any educational premises unless they are attended by his own children. Trent Barton, the bus company for which Sparrow worked, confirmed that he has not been employed by them since the incident was initially uncovered.