DEREK KIRBY FROM CLIFTON, YORK, SENTENCED FOR PAEDOPHILIC CRIMES REVEALED AFTER 20 YEARS

In a case that highlights the long arm of justice, Derek John Kirby, a man from Clifton, York, faced the consequences of his past actions after more than two decades. The victim, now an adult woman, came forward to disclose the abuse she endured as a young girl, which occurred over a three-year period when she was between six and nine years old.

At the time of the abuse, Kirby was in his late teens and was entrusted with caring for the girl on behalf of her parents. During this period, he committed multiple acts of indecent assault against her, exploiting his position of trust and her youth. The victim, who had kept her suffering private for years, finally decided to speak out after experiencing persistent nightmares and ongoing psychiatric issues. Her decision was further influenced by discussions with a counselor, who encouraged her to report the abuse to the authorities.

Kirby, now aged 47 and residing on Lucas Avenue in Clifton, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault during his court appearance at York Crown Court. The prosecution, led by Rob Galley, detailed the circumstances of the case, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the vulnerability of the young girl at the time.

Judge Jim Spencer QC addressed Kirby directly, stating, "You took advantage of her youth and your own position of trust over her. You were only very young yourself, and it seems to me that, had you been dealt with at that age, the concern of the court would have been to ensure that such offending did not continue. As it happens, it hasn’t continued."

In sentencing, the judge ordered Kirby to complete a two-year community rehabilitation order, which includes participation in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, Kirby was disqualified from working with children indefinitely and was registered as a sex offender for a period of five years.

Helen Hendry, representing the defense, did not offer any mitigation after the judge indicated the likely severity of the sentence. The court reviewed a pre-sentence report before finalizing the punishment, underscoring the seriousness of the crimes committed and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from similar offenses in the future.