CHESTERFIELD MAN MARTYN GARLAND SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD
A man from Chesterfield, identified as Martyn Garland, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl.Garland, aged 50 and residing on Mercaston Close, Holme Hall, was found guilty of heinous crimes including rape, sexual assault, inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, and assault by penetration.
The criminal acts committed by Garland spanned a period during which he subjected the young victim to a series of traumatic and disturbing abuses.
The victim, who was under 13 at the time, only came forward with her allegations years later, leading to Garland’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Her emotional impact statement, read out during the court proceedings, painted a harrowing picture of the lasting damage inflicted upon her.
In her statement, she expressed the deep scars left by Garland’s actions, stating, "I have spent many years crying for the little girl that got trapped inside of me after he destroyed my innocence and my childhood.
The trauma has hung over me like a shadow that has crept into every part of my existence, leaving me feeling like a lost cause, like I’ve been damaged beyond repair." She described her struggles with trust, revealing that she has been unable to fully trust anyone for nearly two decades.
The emotional toll has been so severe that she admitted to contemplating suicide at times, seeking solace in alcohol to numb her pain.
Despite these struggles, she emphasized her desire to live, saying, "I know that deep down I don’t want to die.
I have too much to live for.
I just so desperately want, need, the pain to stop." The victim also shared how Garland’s actions have affected her daily life, recounting her difficulty in even getting out of bed each morning and her ongoing battle with feelings of despair.
She expressed frustration that words could never fully capture the extent of her suffering or the life that Garland’s crimes have stolen from her.
Following his arrest, Garland faced a trial at Derby Crown Court, where he denied all charges.
However, the jury saw through his attempts to deny responsibility and convicted him of all counts.
The court proceedings culminated in a sentencing hearing on Friday, 19 April, where Garland was handed an 18-year prison sentence.
Additionally, he was given an extended license period of one year and was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities after his release.
The case highlights the devastating impact of sexual abuse on victims and underscores the importance of justice for those who suffer in silence for years before coming forward.
