Ashover man jailed for sex with underage girl

Stephen Dronfield, of Hungerhill Lane, Ashover had picked the girl up from school on two occasions in July 2019, and took her to an isolated barn and had sex with her.

He was fully aware of the age of the girl, who was in her early teens at the time, with her dressed in school uniform when he picked her up.

Dronfield was later overheard in a pub, talking about what he had done to the girl and this was reported to police. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

He was sentenced on 14 January and handed a two-year prison term, after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child at an earlier hearing at Derby Crown Court.

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Dronfield was also given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention order, which includes a number of conditions including being banned from having unsupervised contact with any child under the age of sixteen.

He will also appear on the sex offender register for a period of ten years.

Detective Sergeant, Ross O’Brien, who led the investigation said:

“The victim in this case has experienced a very difficult 18 months, since the events of July 2019 and has shown strength and tenacity throughout.

“Dronfield’s actions have had a significant impact on her life and wellbeing, and I am pleased that this case has now concluded so that she can begin to put this behind her.”

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If you or a loved one have been affected by a similar crime, but do not feel ready to speak to officers, then you can access support from SV2 – a Derbyshire based organisation that helps victims of sexual offences.

Online www.sv2.org.uk or via their advice line 01773 746 115 (open 7 days a week 8am – 5pm).

If you do wish to report something to police, you can do so through their social media accounts or websites. You can also get in touch by ringing 101.

Alternatively, you anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.