CHRISTOPHER TURNER SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN DERBY

In October 2009, a man identified as Christopher Turner, aged 24, was sentenced to a significant prison term following a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed in Derby. Turner, who has been described by authorities as a "very dangerous young man," was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and engaging in other predatory behaviors targeting teenage girls in the Derby area.

Turner's criminal history includes previous convictions for groping a 15-year-old girl in a supermarket in Matlock and attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl in Derby’s Market Place. These incidents highlighted a pattern of inappropriate and illegal conduct involving minors. In May of the same year, Turner committed another assault at his flat located on Swinburne Street in Derby, where he touched a 15-year-old girl through her clothing and asked if he could perform a sex act on her. The girl involved was residing in a care home at the time, adding a layer of concern regarding her vulnerability.

Following this latest offense, Turner was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, he will serve a further three years on license, during which he is strictly prohibited from entering parks, amusement arcades, swimming pools, or any other venues where children under the age of 16 are likely to be present. His criminal record and behavior prompted the court to impose these restrictions to protect the community.

During a probation interview, Turner, who has learning difficulties, expressed that he finds it impossible to form relationships with girls over the age of 16. A psychiatric report accompanying his sentencing indicated that he must be considered a significant risk for reoffending, emphasizing the ongoing danger he poses to the public.

Details of his past offenses reveal a troubling pattern. His first known sexual assault occurred in 2004 at a supermarket in Matlock, where he groped a girl between her legs. At that time, he was 19 years old and received an 18-month jail sentence. Two years later, in 2006, Turner approached a 14-year-old girl in Derby, kissing her on the hand, and later attempted to kiss another girl, further demonstrating his predatory tendencies. Following these incidents, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which barred him from being around girls under 16.

Turner admitted to breaching this order during the incident at his flat in May 2009. His defense lawyer, Justin Ablott, argued that Turner’s difficulties with forming relationships stem from his learning disabilities and that he would prefer to be in a relationship with an adult woman. Ablott suggested that as Turner matures, his ability to develop appropriate relationships might improve, though this remains uncertain.

However, the court, presided over by Recorder Shaun Smith, was unequivocal in its assessment. Smith described Turner as a "very dangerous young man" with a history of sexual offenses against minors. He noted that Turner had expressed a preference for girls aged 13 to 16. As a result, Turner was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison, with four years to be served behind bars. Upon release, he will be on license for an additional five years. The court also disqualified him from working with children for life and mandated that he register as a sex offender, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society.