RAJINDER CHAHAL FROM SWADLINCOTE ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL MESSAGE TO TEENAGER

In December 2019, a man from Swadlincote named Rajinder Chahal narrowly avoided imprisonment after engaging in inappropriate online communication with a teenage girl. The incident involved Chahal, aged 39, who contacted his 15-year-old victim via the social media platform Instagram. During their interaction, he sent her a message of a sexual nature, which led to legal proceedings at Derby Crown Court.

Judge Jonathan Bennett presided over the case and opted to impose a suspended sentence on Chahal, along with a sexual harm prevention order. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Bennett emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, "You are 39-years-of-age. You entered guilty pleas at this court for sexual communication with a child. It was a single message sent to one girl. You were interviewed by police and gave no comment. I come to the view that this offence does pass the custody threshold, but nevertheless I can suspend that sentence. You are not going to prison today. You have a very impressive letter telling how sorry you are."

Prosecutor Sarah Allen provided details of the incident, which took place in January 2018. She explained that Chahal sent a message around 10 pm asking if the victim was still out, to which she replied that she was in bed at home. He then sent her another message, which she did not respond to, followed by a third message around midnight that also went unanswered. Subsequently, he sent her a love heart emoji, prompting her to reply, "I’m good thanks." It was at this point that Chahal sent a message of a sexual nature. The victim responded by blocking him.

Chahal was arrested in March 2018 but chose not to comment during police interviews. His defense lawyer, Gregor Purcell, explained that Chahal had pleaded guilty at his first court appearance and that the message was sent while he was under the influence of alcohol. Purcell highlighted that Chahal has since sought help, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous and bereavement counseling following the loss of his father. He also noted that Chahal is employed as a recovery driver and is actively seeking additional work, emphasizing his hardworking nature.

Chahal, residing on Springwood Farm Road, Midway, Swadlincote, admitted to one count of sexual communication with a child. The court sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. As part of his sentence, he is required to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge. A sexual harm prevention order was also issued to restrict his future conduct and protect potential victims.