Child abuser jailed for sexually assaulting girl in Chesterfield

Luke McGough, 26, of Thanet Street, Clay Cross appeared at Derby Crown Court on 8 January and pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences took place in 2015, when the victim was under the age of 13, but did not come to light until August 2019 when she felt able to confide in someone about what had happened.

A friend of McGough heard about the allegations and challenged him, which he admitted and later reported to police. This sparked an investigation which resulted in charges being brought against him.

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

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her bravery in speaking out about what McGough did to her back in 2015.

“This cannot have been an easy thing to do, and she is to be commended for the dignified way in which she has conducted herself throughout this investigation.

“The predatory actions of McGough have had a real and lasting impact on the victim’s life and no sentence can undo the hurt he has caused her; however, I do hope that she feels some comfort in knowing that he is off the streets and cannot prey on other children in the same way.

“I would urge anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse, or sexual assault, to report it to police if you feel able to. We will take you seriously and we will investigate, making every effort to achieve justice for you.”

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McGough’s four-year sentence is comprised of a three-year jail term and an extended licence period of one year.

He has also been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention order which prohibits him from having contact with any female under the age of 16, amongst other conditions.

He will also remain on the sex offender register for life.

If you have been affected by sexual abuse or assault, whether recent or non-recent, and would like some support you can contact SV2 – a Derbyshire based organisation who support victims of sexual violence.