DEREK INGLES FROM MIDDLESBROUGH FACES SUSPENDED JAIL FOR GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Middlesbrough community, Derek Ingles, a 33-year-old man from Aiden Court in Middlesbrough, was found guilty of grooming a teenage girl over a period of two years.The victim, a 15-year-old blogger from Middlesbrough, played a crucial role in exposing Ingles after she uncovered his attempts to manipulate and exploit her through online messages.
According to court reports, the girl had been targeted by Ingles since she was just 13 years old.
He had been sending her messages on her social media blog, where she expressed her teenage struggles, including references to depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
These writings painted a picture of a vulnerable young girl battling emotional difficulties, which Ingles seemingly exploited.
Prosecutor David Crook detailed how the defendant’s online interactions with the girl escalated over time.
In September 2011, Ingles sent her a message claiming, “I feel really close to you and I don’t know how,” which she questioned, prompting him to respond that he was “a bit older than you but I think I’m in love.” He also warned her to keep his identity secret, saying, “I won’t say who I am because if it comes out it will kick off.” Further messages continued through September to December, with Ingles expressing a desire to be with her, even saying on Christmas Day 2011, “I wish you were 16 so I could whisk you away from all your worries.” The situation worsened in March of the following year when Ingles asked her to send indecent photographs and a video of herself.
Despite her rejection of these advances, the girl confided in her sister and a friend, recognizing Ingles’ online alias and informing her mother about the exchanges.
During the court proceedings, Penny Bottomley, representing Ingles, stated that her client had been living with his mother since his arrest and expressed remorse for the impact his actions had on the victim, her family, and his own wife and children.
The judge, Michael Taylor, acknowledged the serious consequences of Ingles’ conduct, emphasizing that the case had effectively ended his family life.
Judge Taylor explained that, under sentencing guidelines, a prison term was appropriate.
However, he opted for a suspended sentence, recognizing the need for rehabilitation.
Ingles was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for two years, and was ordered to participate in the Northumbria sex offenders’ programme and a citizenship course.
Additionally, he was required to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a sexual offences prevention order for five years, which prohibits him from contacting girls under 16 and grants police access to his internet devices to monitor his online activity.
Ingles pleaded guilty to causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and the court’s decision reflects the gravity of his actions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation.
