Teenager's Childhood Ruined by Predatory Derbyshire Sex Offender

A teenager has spoken out about how his childhood was destroyed after enduring years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Michael Sutton, a predatory sex offender from Derbyshire.

Sutton, 32, subjected the teenager to repeated instances of physical abuse, using a belt to strike him, as well as sexual assault, over an eight-year period from 2012 to 2020.

The abuse came to light when Sutton was apprehended for taking a child without lawful authority following an incident involving another teenager in Nottinghamshire in February 2021.

In a victim impact statement, the teenager described the devastating impact of Sutton's actions: "I don't feel like I can trust anyone and I have felt like this since he started doing what he did to me. I am always wary around new people and I know that is because of him. "At first I thought what he was doing to me was normal because I was so young. It was only when I got older that I started to realise it was wrong. Even then, I didn't feel like I could tell anyone because I felt like no-one would believe me. "I will never be able to forgive him for what he did to me, he ruined my childhood. I'll never be able to forget what he did to me and this really upsets me."

Sutton, from Killamarsh, pleaded guilty to assault, sexual assault, child cruelty, and taking a child without lawful authority. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on January 25 to a total of four and a half years in prison.

He was also issued with a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Naomi Davies, of the child investigation team, commented on the case: "The survivor in this case suffered years of abuse at the hands of Sutton, a predatory sex offender. "At a time when they should have been carefree and enjoying spending time with their friends and all the usual childhood fun, they were instead left feeling traumatised and hurt by Sutton's evil actions. "The physical and sexual abuse may have stopped but the nightmare never ends for the survivor, who will have to deal with the psychological effects of what happened to them for years to come. "I'm pleased Sutton is now behind bars for his crimes where he belongs. "The bravery this young person showed in coming forward and telling police about the abuse they suffered is incredible and I'd like to commend them for that, as well as their dignity throughout the legal process. "If anyone out there is suffering or has suffered sexual abuse of any kind, please don't suffer in silence. We will listen and support you throughout the whole process without any judgement. Our specially trained officers are on hand to help you, no matter when the abuse took place."