DECLAN BENTLEY SENTENCED IN HULL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In January 2012, a disturbing case emerged from Hull involving a young girl and an 18-year-old male named Declan Bentley. Bentley was convicted of multiple serious sexual offences, including eight counts of rape, and was subsequently sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

The incident began when Bentley, a resident of east Hull, invited a girl under the age of 13 to his home with the intention of watching the popular teenage soap opera Hollyoaks. The girl, who was not permitted to watch the show at her own residence, accepted the invitation and went to Bentley’s house. However, what started as a simple visit quickly turned into a distressing ordeal.

According to court reports, once the girl entered Bentley’s room, he refused to put on Hollyoaks as promised. Instead, he demanded that she perform sexual acts on him, threatening her with consequences if she disobeyed. Bentley told her that she would need to engage in sexual activity before he would allow her to watch her favourite TV programme. The young girl was coerced into performing acts against her will, and Bentley also asked her to play computer games with him, further exploiting her vulnerability.

The situation was eventually interrupted when Bentley’s grandmother unexpectedly entered his room and saw him adjusting his clothing. This sudden intrusion led to Bentley immediately admitting his wrongdoing, breaking down in tears, and confessing to the police what had transpired. His quick admission and cooperation with authorities played a role in the sentencing process.

During the court proceedings at Hull Crown Court, prosecutor Jharna Jobes detailed the circumstances, emphasizing that the victim had initially gone to Bentley’s home to watch Hollyoaks because she was not allowed to do so at her own house. Once inside, Bentley refused to comply with her wishes and instead demanded sexual acts, warning her that if she told anyone, he would be in serious trouble.

Judge Michael Mettyear, the Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, acknowledged the complexities of the case, particularly noting Bentley’s low mental capacity. The judge described the offence as serious, especially given the repeated nature of the offending against such a young victim. While a longer sentence might have been considered, the judge decided that a three-and-a-half-year term was appropriate, taking into account Bentley’s guilty plea, early admission, and cooperation with police.

He stated that the custodial sentence was necessary to serve as a deterrent for Bentley and others, emphasizing that such behaviour warrants serious punishment. The judge also ordered Bentley to register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the gravity of his crimes and the importance of ongoing monitoring to protect the community from potential reoffending.