Derek Hardman 64

Description

The man pictured below is 64-year-old Derek Hardman and he is a sex offender.

You won’t see him on the streets of East Lancashire for a while because he was today jailed for 11 years and nine months.

On 28th September 2022 we were made aware that he had engaged in sexual activity with a vulnerable 16-year-old girl.

Hardman was arrested and denied any wrongdoing in police interview.

However, a comprehensive investigation uncovered a multitude of evidence that disproved Hardman’s assertions of innocence. This included an array of concerning text messages Hardman had sent to his victim.

All the offences took place in Burnley.

Hardman, now of no fixed address, was convicted of five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child at Burnley Crown Court in November.

He returned to the same court today (3rd March) where he was also made subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In a statement to the court, the victim wrote: “I am not working at the moment and I think that some of it is due to the effect that the crimes have had on me. It has really affected my mental health. I don't like going out on my own and I don't go out at night. I'm too scared.”

She continued: “I have had nightmares about what Derek did to me. The doctor prescribed me sleeping tablets for this. I still have sleepless nights and nightmares about what happened. I was diagnosed with PTSD in February 2023 as a result of the crimes committed against me. This is something that I need to work through.”