DEREK CARNALL JAILED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEICESTER
In a case that has shocked the community of Leicester, Derek Carnall, a 59-year-old man from Rock Close, Eyres Monsell, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for heinous crimes involving a young girl.The offences took place over a decade ago, when the victim was only between 12 and 13 years old, and involved a series of disturbing acts that have left lasting scars.
Leicester Crown Court heard that Carnall, who had a prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl who subsequently became pregnant by him in 1980, continued his pattern of predatory behavior.
The prosecution, led by Nirmal Shant, detailed how in the early 1990s, Carnall began to groom the young girl by giving her cigarettes and gradually escalating to indecent touching.
The situation worsened as Carnall engaged in sexual acts with her, including full intercourse, in various secluded locations around Leicester.
One particularly distressing incident involved Carnall forcing the girl to perform a sex act on him in a remote lay-by, an act he tried to justify by convincing her that such conduct was normal.
The court was told that Carnall pleaded guilty to one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault, with each act occurring on two separate occasions.
Despite his pleas, the judge, Christopher Plunkett, emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating that Carnall had betrayed the trust of a vulnerable child and inflicted profound emotional harm.
Judge Plunkett remarked, “You breached the trust placed in you by a child of 12 or 13 by assaulting her, raping her, and causing her to partake in vile sex acts — acts that she should have been innocent of.
You caused her great harm and inflicted pain on your own family as well.
The emotional wounds you have caused will likely never fully heal, and a significant sentence of imprisonment is justified.” During the proceedings, Carnall’s defense lawyer, James House, highlighted that the victim had been spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court, and pointed out that many individuals in Carnall’s position might have maintained a not guilty plea.
He also expressed gratitude that Carnall’s wife and many relatives stood by him, emphasizing that Carnall himself accepted responsibility for his actions and recognized the need for treatment to prevent future offenses.
Mr.
House stated, “He, at the very least, is accepting of what he’s done.
He doesn’t blame the victim at all.
His thought processes and how he allowed this to happen are issues that need addressing.
He acknowledges his wrongdoing and accepts that he requires treatment.
His family and friends are supporting him, and his primary concern is for them, not himself.” As part of his sentence, Carnall will be registered as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the consequences faced by those who violate their trust in Leicester.
