ANDREW GARLICK FROM ALVASTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL IN DERBY

In October 2018, a disturbing case unfolded in Derby involving Andrew Garlick, a man from the Alvaston area, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that included grooming, drugging, and sexually abusing a minor, leaving a lasting impact on the victim.

According to the evidence presented at Derby Crown Court, Garlick, aged 35, engaged in a series of manipulative and criminal acts targeting an underage girl. The abuse began when Garlick took the girl to a local bar in Derby, where he purchased alcohol for her, despite her being under the legal drinking age. The situation escalated when he introduced her to cocaine, a substance he supplied to her at his residence in Alvaston. The court heard how, during this encounter, Garlick pressured the girl into trying the drug, which made her feel unwell, an effect she attributed to the substances he had given her.

Prosecutor Mark Achurch detailed how Garlick then followed the girl into a living room at his home, where he sexually assaulted her. During the assault, Garlick told her to “shut up and stop being mardy,” dismissing her protests and discomfort. The court was told that Garlick also touched the girl sexually and attempted to coerce her into performing sex acts on him, further demonstrating his depravity. The abuse was characterized by the use of alcohol and drugs, which facilitated the grooming process, and was compounded by the disparity in ages between the offender and the victim. It was also noted that Garlick did not use any form of contraception during these encounters.

Two months after the initial incident, Garlick arranged a second encounter with the girl, again involving the supply of cocaine and alcohol. This subsequent assault took place at his home, where he continued to sexually abuse her. The victim, who was under 16 at the time, showed remarkable courage by coming forward and reporting her experiences to the police earlier this year. Her decision to speak out was a pivotal moment in the case, leading to Garlick’s arrest.

Initially, Garlick denied any wrongdoing, but he later pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child and sexual assault of a child. During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered a heartfelt statement, describing her feelings of disgust and helplessness. She said, “He gave me drugs and alcohol and I feel disgusted he did that. I felt like I was underwater screaming as hard as I could but no-one could hear me.”

Judge Robert Egbuna sentenced Garlick to 13 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The judge described Garlick’s actions as morally corrupt and depraved, highlighting how he exploited the girl’s vulnerability for his own gratification. In addition to the prison sentence, Garlick was handed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to remain on the sex offender’s register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.