A child rapist who targeted vulnerable young people for nearly two decades has been jailed for 30 years.

A child rapist who targeted vulnerable young people for nearly two decades has been jailed for 30 years.

Andrew Mark Ditchfield was found guilty of 45 offences against 14 victims between 1992 and 2011.

Ditchfield subjected his victims to numerous sexual assaults and rapes during that time – preying on vulnerable young children.

Today at Derby Crown Court he has been sentenced to 30 years in jail, with an extended licence period of 8 years, after being found guilty of the abuse of 12 boys and two girls.

The 54-year-old, previously of Fourways, Tetney, Grimsby, denied the offences forcing the survivors of his abuse to face him in court during a three-week long trial.

In victim impact statements read out at Derby Crown Court the survivors, whose identities are protected by law, detailed the profound effect the abuse had on them as young people and how that has continued into their adult lives.

Survivor 1

“My experience with Ditchfield certainly contributed to me having a criminal record. He led me down a certain path, a path where I did not want to go. I have anger issues. I have mental health issues and suffer terribly with depression.

“I don’t work. I have money problems and I struggle to leave the house and I have made many attempts to end my life.”

 

Survivor 2

“I was vulnerable. I was living in a terrible home environment and Ditch took advantage of that. I never told anyone as I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I couldn’t talk about it and couldn’t share this with anyone. 

“I am on medication for depression and anxiety and the worst thing about all of this is that Ditch has sat through this denying everything. he has such disregard for anyone and no regard for the lives he has ruined.

“I was dreading not being believed and that is why I have kept this dirty horrible secret all my life.”

 

Survivor 3

“For years I locked away in a box the pain this abuse caused me, I never told a soul it’s something I thought would never come out or I’d be believed, I kept it from my family friends partner.

“I’ve been diagnosed with depression and also PTSD after having disturbing flashbacks of the abuse in my nightmares which took my right back to the moment.

“I went to some very dark places inside myself. There were thoughts around suicide, simply because I was so numb and torn down that I felt as though death would be no different. I lost my identity. I had no idea who I was anymore. I finally thought the world and my family would be better off without me, I drank and drank and drank until my body couldn’t take anymore combined with an overdose, fortunately I was found and helped in hospital.

“My way of coping is to drink beer , I’ve always drank to forget to try and ease the pain I’ve felt, this has been my way of feeling normal for many years.

“It’s hard to put into words about how the abuse effected me when I don’t know any other way of life, the fake smiles, the pretending I’m ok, hiding myself away when the tears are rolling down my face, but what kind of life is that?

“I’m hopeful today will be the start of the rest of the rest of my life, where I can finally leave all the pain, hurt, anger behind knowing justice has been served. I hope the other survivors here in this room today can start the rest of their lives today as well. We aren’t his victims - we are survivors.”

 

Survivor 4

"After the assault I wasn’t really sure on what had actually happened, but the pain inside of me spoke volumes. The shame was overwhelming and the self-doubt and blame I was feeling stopped me from turning to my friends and family at first. I felt completely alone, unable to trust anyone including myself.

“I lost my friends, my family, my dignity, my life.

“When the assault happened to me, I was a young boy. I repeat the word boy because, that is what I was. Now I am a young adult but I have been stuck in a holding pattern for most of my life. I have been unable to heal, unable to move forward. A person that lost his dignity and rights, because they were stolen by this man.

“This man has destroyed so many lives, left people with low self-esteem and fear. He hasn’t just affected his victims individually, he has broken their families and friendship circles. He has left a hole in all of victim’s lives that will never heal and never repair again. A time we can neither get back or change.

“Ditchfield stole my childhood, my hope and my future. This man robbed me of my health, my open nature and my trust in myself and others.”

 

DS Ritchie Parkins, who led the investigation team, said: “That Ditchfield is now behind bars is because of the strength, character and resilience of the survivors of his abuse.

“His refusal to take any responsibility for the damage he wrought on these young people’s lives shows his utter disregard for anyone other than himself.

“To stand in court and give evidence against this man who has caused such hurt is humbling and I cannot speak highly enough of them.”

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Rai, said: “I have no doubt that there are other survivors who are living with the effects of his abuse and I would urge them to come forward, whether they wish to press criminal charges or not, and access the support that is available.

“Many of the survivors who have helped bring Ditchfield to justice spoke of their concerns about coming forward and telling the police or other agencies about the abuse they have suffered.

“My message to anyone who has suffered at the hands of Ditchfield, or any other person, is that there is support for you, and you will be listened to, respected and we will do everything within our power to bring those responsible to justice.”