NATHAN THORPE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN NOTTINGHAM REVEALED AT SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Nathan Thorpe, a resident of Nottingham, was brought before Sheffield Crown Court to face serious allegations of child abuse.The charges stem from incidents that occurred over two decades ago, involving a young girl who was only eight years old at the time.
Prosecutor Louise Reevell detailed the horrific acts committed by Thorpe, emphasizing the severity and depravity of his actions.
The abuse took place more than 20 years ago, during which Thorpe engaged in two separate episodes of sexual misconduct against the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons.
According to the court proceedings, Thorpe began his assault by inappropriately touching the girl’s legs before progressing to rub her private parts over her shorts, all while making moaning noises.
The victim, overwhelmed and frightened, pushed his hand away and struggled as he attempted to pull her head towards his groin.
After these incidents, Thorpe allegedly told her, “not to tell anyone and it would be their secret,” attempting to silence her and conceal his actions.
On a subsequent occasion, Thorpe placed the girl on his lap while he was visibly aroused.
The prosecutor described her as feeling “terrified but unable to do anything,” and noted that she found him “creepy and intimidating.” These words underscore the profound impact of the abuse on her sense of safety and well-being.
In a police interview conducted in 2018, Thorpe admitted to his actions, claiming that he “decided he wanted to pleasure her and make her happy,” and bizarrely stated that his victim “enjoyed it.” He further revealed that he felt sexually attracted to her at the time, describing himself as “sex-starved” and “involuntarily celibate.” Thorpe also disclosed that he had sent her a message seeking forgiveness, adding a disturbing layer to the case.
The victim, now an adult, provided a heartfelt statement in court, expressing her pain and resilience.
She stated, “I want you to understand the severity of what you did to me,” and described how the abuse robbed her of “my sanity, dignity and autonomy.” She recounted how, as she grew older, she suffered from severe mental health issues, drug addiction, and even made attempts on her own life.
Despite the trauma, she emphasized her strength, saying, “No child should have to experience what you did,” and concluded with a powerful message: “I am a survivor of something that could have killed me.” Judge David Dixon addressed Thorpe directly, noting that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2006 and suggested that signs of the illness may have been present years before the offenses.
The judge condemned Thorpe’s actions as “horrendous” and warned of the potential influence of others if he were incarcerated in a segregation wing.
Ultimately, Thorpe was sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years.
He was also given a two-year supervision order and ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation.
A lifelong restraining order was issued, prohibiting Thorpe from having any contact with his victim.
The judge made it clear that any breach of this order would result in immediate imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the need to protect the victim from further harm.
