KIRK HALLAM BUS DRIVER COLIN GARROD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Kirk Hallam, Colin Garrod, a 56-year-old bus driver, has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offences and the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The incident highlights the disturbing extent of his criminal activities, which spanned over six years and involved multiple heinous acts.

Garrod, who was employed by Trent Barton and based in Heanor, was brought before Nottingham Crown Court in March 2016, where he received a custodial sentence of three years and four months. The court's decision followed his guilty plea to ten separate charges under the Sexual Offences Act, which included two counts of sexual assault, possession of indecent photographs of children, taking indecent images of minors, and distributing such images. Additionally, Garrod admitted to making indecent photographs of a child and engaging in voyeuristic acts, further underscoring the severity of his crimes.

The offences took place between January 2009 and November 2015, a period during which Garrod's activities caused significant concern among local residents and authorities alike. The investigation revealed that Garrod was involved in online exchanges with another user via Skype, during which indecent images were shared. The police confirmed that the communication was part of a broader investigation involving multiple forces, and that Garrod's actions contributed to the distribution of illegal material involving minors.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police stated, “He was communicating with another user on Skype who was being investigated by another force and there was an exchange of indecent images.” This statement underscores the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and bring offenders like Garrod to justice.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit digital platforms to commit crimes against children. The community of Kirk Hallam and surrounding areas can now be assured that justice has been served, but the impact of Garrod’s actions continues to resonate among victims and their families.