CHRISTOPHER BENNETT CAUGHT IN DERBY IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCE PLOT
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Derby community, Christopher Bennett, a 33-year-old man from St Helen's Street in Derby, was found guilty of attempting to coerce a father into facilitating sexual acts involving his own 11-year-old daughter.The incident, which unfolded over several months, highlights the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such heinous crimes.
According to court proceedings, the initial contact between Bennett and an online acquaintance occurred on June 4 of the previous year.
During this interaction, Bennett engaged in conversations with an individual he believed to be a man seeking advice on how to involve his young daughter in sexual activities.
These exchanges were conducted via online messaging platforms, where Bennett's disturbing intentions became increasingly evident.
The situation escalated on November 13, when Derbyshire police, acting undercover, engaged Bennett in a phone conversation.
Disguised as a parent, the officers pretended to be the father of the 11-year-old girl.
During this covert call, Bennett was asked what he wanted to do with the child, and he responded with lewd suggestions, revealing his intent to exploit the young girl sexually.
The conversation was deeply troubling and demonstrated Bennett's willingness to participate in criminal acts involving a minor.
Further online communications took place on November 27, during which Bennett sent explicit messages to the undercover officers.
He explicitly asked the fictitious 'girl' to perform a sexual act on herself, further evidencing his predatory mindset.
The police, having gathered sufficient evidence, arrested Bennett shortly thereafter.
Following his arrest, authorities seized Bennett's laptop computer.
A forensic examination uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images, including one classified as Category A, the most serious category, along with twenty images categorized as Category C.
These findings underscored the severity of Bennett's offending behavior.
Prosecutor Steven Taylor outlined the charges against Bennett in court, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
He explained that Bennett was involved in a series of online interactions that aimed to facilitate and promote child sexual exploitation.
The charges included possession of indecent images, attempting to arrange and facilitate a sexual offence involving a child, and two counts of attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
In sentencing, Derby Crown Court handed Bennett an extended sentence of eight years.
Under this sentence, he is expected to serve up to four years in prison, with the remaining time on licence, subject to supervision and restrictions designed to prevent further offending.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online predators and the critical role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
