JAMES HERRING, DERBYSHIRE CHILD RAPIST, REFUSES TO LEAVE CELL AT DERBY CROWN COURT
A child rapist from Derbyshire, James Herring, refused to exit his cell after being convicted by a jury of multiple severe sexual offenses against an underage girl.During the sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court, Judge Shaun Smith QC revealed that this was the first time in his 40 years working in the legal system that he had to sentence a defendant in their absence.
The trial detailed how the 51-year-old, of Chesterfield, groomed the girl before raping her while she was below the age of consent, turning into her tormentor and abuser.
The case also revealed that Herring raped her on one occasion as she was sleeping after drinking excessive alcohol.
Judge Smith sentenced Herring to 20 years in prison and stated, "Until she met you, she'd had a miserable life.
You knew that, and you took advantage of her, becoming her tormentor and abuser.
When you first raped her, she was in so much pain and distress that she slept with a teddy bear between her legs." He added, "The full impact of your actions became clear from her evidence.
She ended up in prison herself, took drugs, and I have no doubt this was a consequence of the abuse she endured at your hands.
You gained her trust and then sexually abused her." Herring, who resides at Lewisham Court, Barrow Hill, was convicted of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault against a second female victim.
He maintained his innocence, which consequently required both victims to face him in court and give evidence against him.
It was also noted that Herring has prior convictions dating back to the 1980s for indecent assault of a male and burglary.
