ROBERT GOODERHAM CAUGHT IN CRESWELL: DERBYSHIRE PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE BOY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Creswell, Derbyshire, Robert Gooderham, a 42-year-old man, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a series of inappropriate and illegal sexual activities with a minor. The incident took place in a local park, where Gooderham lured an underage schoolboy into a situation that led to him being sexually touched without consent.

The court heard that the events unfolded in December 2018, when Gooderham was seen talking to the young boy. It was established that the man was aware the boy had been drinking alcohol at the time, which may have influenced his actions. According to prosecutor Esther Harrison, the pair then proceeded to walk together, eventually ending up in a nearby park in Creswell.

Once there, Gooderham persuaded the underage boy to touch him sexually, an act that constitutes serious criminal behavior. The following morning, the defendant sent a message to the boy, suggesting further sexual acts he would like him to perform. He also instructed the boy to delete the message and not to tell anyone about what had transpired, claiming he felt guilty because he had been intoxicated.

The victim, overwhelmed and distressed by the incident, confided in a friend, which ultimately led to the police being involved. The young boy’s bravery in speaking out was instrumental in bringing Gooderham to justice. When arrested, the defendant chose to answer “no comment” to questions posed by authorities, but ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child and engaging in sexual communication with a minor.

It was revealed that Gooderham has a prior conviction for arson dating back to 2014, indicating a history of criminal behavior. During sentencing, Judge Robert Egbuna emphasized the gravity of the offense, highlighting the clear age disparity and the defendant’s apparent awareness of the boy’s vulnerability. The judge stated, “He was clearly under the influence of alcohol and you would have been aware of that. He was deserving of your protection from any sexual activity but it appears you showed an interest in him. This is serious offending.”

In addition to the 18-month prison term, Gooderham was handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offender register for a decade. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the consequences faced by those who exploit their innocence in Creswell and beyond.