Matlock man jailed for child sexual abuse

In late January 2024 we were called by a father who had been checking his daughter's phone and discovered a number of very concerning messages of a sexual nature.

Richard Underwood had been messaging the girl for a number of months. He had arranged to see her and carried out sexual activity with her.

The 47-year-old of Upper Greenhill Gardens was arrested the same day. He was charged on Thursday 1 February and remanded into custody.

He admitted engaging in sexual activity with a child aged between 13 and 15 years old and was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on Friday 3 May.

In a heartfelt victim impact statement, the girl’s mother spoke about her daughter’s learning difficulties and her lack of social understanding, which made her unaware that what happened was wrong. She also said her daughter has been struggling with her mental health and doesn’t know how to cope.

“As a parent, I can’t think about what Richard has done without feeling a range of emotions. This incident has massively impacted not only my daughter but also every aspect of us as a family, and we are still dealing with the consequences and ongoing impact of this incident.”

He was jailed for four years and three months and was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order.

Detective Sergeant Sophie Draycott of our child sexual exploitation team said: “I would like to praise the family for their support and cooperation throughout the investigation and court case, and the girl's bravery.

“The case highlights the crucial role parents can play in their children’s online safety, for checking her messages and the swift action in reporting it to the police helped put a stop to the abuse and ensured we were able to start the process of bringing Underwood to justice.”

“While we encourage all parents to take an active role in understanding their children’s online interactions to protect them from potential harm, the responsibility for this crime lies solely with Richard Underwood. His actions have caused significant harm to a vulnerable child and her family, and he is now facing the consequences of his actions.”

If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual exploitation or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, please contact us on the details below:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.

You can also visit our website for further information, advice and details on where you can get support: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation/