DAVID HIRST FROM DERBY JAILED FOR 15 YEARS AFTER CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND INTERNET SEARCHES FOR BRUTAL RAPE IMAGES

In December 2014, a disturbing case unfolded in Derby involving David Hirst, a man convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. Hirst, a 27-year-old resident of Oakwood in Derby, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape committed between November 2011 and October 2012. The case revealed a troubling pattern of behavior, including the discovery of disturbing internet searches for violent and brutal rape images on his phone.

During the trial at Derby Crown Court, the jury was informed that Hirst had conducted approximately 30 searches for such images, many of which depicted brutal assaults and rapes of teenagers. These searches took place in the months leading up to his arrest, specifically between November and December of the previous year. The evidence painted a picture of a man with a dark and sinister interest in violence, which he appeared to have contemplated acting out on a young girl he had abused.

Judge Jonathan Gosling, presiding over the case, sentenced Hirst to 15 years in prison. Throughout the proceedings, Hirst was visibly shaken, sobbing in the dock as the sentence was delivered. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact that such crimes could have on victims, stating, “The long-term consequences (on the victim) are going to be substantial.” He further described Hirst’s behavior as driven by “a dark and sinister secret” of an obsession with brutality, evidenced by his internet searches and the subsequent abuse of the young girl.

Judge Gosling highlighted the unpredictable and potentially devastating effects on the victim as she matured, describing the impact as “very profound.” One of the most poignant moments in the case was when the girl, now a young woman, told police, “I just want him not to do it again,” revealing her fear and desire for safety.

During the trial, it was revealed that the girl had initially kept silent about the assaults out of fear of getting into trouble. She eventually confided in her best friend, who then told her mother. The mother advised her to speak to someone else, leading the girl to disclose the abuse to a teacher. Prosecutor Grace Hale explained that the evidence of Hirst’s internet searches for rape images made it “more likely than not” that he had committed sexual offenses against the girl.

In her closing remarks, Miss Hale criticized Hirst for attempting to minimize the significance of his online searches, claiming that the sites he visited were “boring and fake.” Hirst had argued that clicking on one image led him to more, suggesting a casual interest. However, the prosecution pointed out that he revisited these violent sites on different occasions, indicating a disturbing fascination with such material.

Furthermore, the link between the victim’s account of her assault and the material found on Hirst’s phone was deemed no coincidence. The evidence suggested a direct connection between his online activity and the abuse she endured.

As part of his sentence, Hirst was placed on the sex offenders’ register and received a lifelong ban from working with children. Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Tony Brittan from Derbyshire Constabulary’s public protection unit commended the victim’s bravery, stating, “The victim in this case has been incredibly brave in coming forward and giving evidence that helped secure the guilty verdicts.” The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the courage of victims in seeking justice against such heinous crimes.