Man from Derby jailed for sexually abusing a child

Martin Speanburg, of Harvey Road in Alvaston, pleaded not guilty to three offences, which included two counts of sexual assault on a child, and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The 65-year-old carried out the offences over a nine-month period, between March and December 2012.

He was found guilty on Friday 17 September following a trial at Derby Crown Court and was sentenced on Monday 1 November to seven-and-a-half years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years.

Speanburg will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) until further notice.

Detective Constable Heidi Tollervey said: “The victim in this case has shown such great courage and strength in not only coming forward and speaking to us about the abuse she was subjected to, but throughout the investigation and also while waiting for the case to go to trial.

“The predentary actions of Martin Speanburg will have long lasting effects on the young girl, who will no doubt never be able to forget what happened to her. 

“While there isn’t anything we can do to change what happened, we hope the sentence will provide some comfort and closure.”

DC Tollervey added: “Offences of this nature are always taken extremely seriously and are investigated by specialist officers.

“I would urge anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse or assault, whether now or in the past, to speak to someone. We will investigate and make every effort to achieve justice for you.”

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.

You can contact Sv2 regardless of whether you wish to report an incident to police, either 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 us, you can do so via the following contact methods.

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.

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