DERBY CROWN COURT SENTENCES TEENAGE SEX OFFENDER TO 12 YEARS FOR ASSAULTING YOUNG GIRLS

A man who sexually assaulted and raped five young girls while he was a teenager has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The offender, Aiden Phipps, was convicted after admitting to the charges. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Phipps knew all of his victims, with the youngest being just 12 years old. One of these assaults involved persuading a 12-year-old girl to meet him after exchanging messages on Snapchat, where he then raped her in a park. On another occasion, he dragged a 17-year-old girl to an abandoned area and raped her. Further allegations included rapes of a 16-year-old girl and sexual assaults on two other girls aged 15 and 17. Phipps, formerly residing in south Derbyshire and now living on Huthwaite Road, Sutton in Ashfield, faced multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration of a girl under 13. He was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on 23 August, receiving a prison term of 12 years and six months, with a judge ordering him to serve at least nine years and six months. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The investigation was led by Detective Constables Stephanie Wilks and Kelly Edwards, who described Phipps as a "very dangerous sexual predator" who attacked these young girls despite knowing their ages and their reluctance to engage with him. The authorities emphasized his persistent offending, noting that his crimes while on bail demonstrated his disregard for the law. They praised the bravery of the victims for supporting the case and urged anyone suffering from sexual assault or rape to seek help, reassuring that trained officers are ready to listen and provide support. The court's decision offers the victims some hope of beginning to recover and look towards the future.