PETER HAMLET'S DERBY CRIMES: PREDATOR SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DERBY
In June 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Peter Hamlet, a man from Derby who posed a significant threat to underage girls through his predatory actions.Hamlet, aged 52 and residing on St Mary’s Wharf Road in Chester Green, was found guilty of engaging in serious sexual offences against a minor and attempting to groom a young girl online.
Hamlet’s criminal conduct came to light after he attempted to sexually exploit a girl he believed to be only 12 years old.
His intentions were disturbingly explicit; he expressed a desire to spend 45 hours in bed with her and even asked her to purchase and wear “sexy underwear.” Over Facebook Messenger, Hamlet sent a series of inappropriate and grooming messages, urging the girl not to tell anyone about their communications and promising to be gentle with her.
He also asked her to send photographs, including images of her in her school uniform, and expressed a wish to meet her in Derby.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hamlet explicitly told the girl, “I know you are 12 but if you wanted to have sex I would.
Please do not tell anyone, I could get into trouble.” These messages demonstrated a clear intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, which Hamlet sought to arrange in Derby.
His actions were part of a pattern of predatory behaviour, as he had previously been convicted in June 2018 of a similar offence.
On that occasion, he was confronted by “paedophile hunters” as he disembarked from a train, intending to meet another young girl.
For this earlier offence, he received an 11-month prison sentence and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for ten years, which prohibited him from using or possessing devices capable of internet access without police approval.
Despite these restrictions, police found Hamlet in possession of a mobile phone and tablet during a search of his flat related to the recent offences.
He failed to disclose these devices to authorities, further breaching the SHPO.
Hamlet pleaded guilty at Derby Crown Court to multiple charges, including arranging a child sexual offence, attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, and breaching the SHPO.
Judge Robert Egbuna sentenced Hamlet to six years in prison, emphasizing the danger posed by his previous convictions and current actions.
The judge highlighted that Hamlet’s behaviour demonstrated a calculated and persistent grooming effort, involving the use of two Facebook profiles and detailed planning.
The court noted the disturbing messages, which included invitations for the girl to visit Derby, stay at his house, and go shopping for provocative underwear.
Hamlet’s conduct showed a clear pattern of grooming and manipulation, with the intent to exploit a vulnerable child.
Judge Egbuna also reminded Hamlet that he will remain on the sex offender register for life and continues to be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The case underscores the ongoing risks posed by individuals like Hamlet and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors from online predators in Derby and beyond.
