Andrew Ditchfield: Jailed abuser 'where he belongs', says victim

A man sexually assaulted as a teenager by a serial abuser says his tormenter is "finally where he belongs".

Andrew Ditchfield, 54, groomed and abused 14 children from Derbyshire and Lincolnshire between 1993 and 2010.

His crimes remained hidden for years until victims came forward and, after a Derby Crown Court trial, he was handed a 30-year prison sentence.

The victim, who was groomed by Ditchfield, said survivors could finally move on now he had been jailed.

He said he was left "destroyed" when, as 14-year-old, he was targeted over three months in 2010.

At the time, Ditchfield lived in the same area of Lincolnshire as his victim.

"I didn't have the best relationship with my own dad and he tried to take over as the role model and got me calling him 'dad'.

"Obviously as a child I accepted that."

He said he went to police when he was sexually assaulted and raped, but forensics officers were not sent to Ditchfield's home for two weeks.

By this time there was no evidence and the case did not progress, he said.

"I didn't understand what was happening when I was 14. I didn't know about the law.

"It was quite hard as a child growing up with it and not being believed by the police force.

"I have suffered a lot with my mental health and have dealt with it on my own until November last year."

Derbyshire Police contacted many of Ditchfield's victims last year after his offending came to light.

They found he had begun targeting young people in Derby in 1993 at houses, camp sites and leisure facilities, which continued when he moved to Lincolnshire in the early 2000s.

"I don't know how he slipped under the radar for so many years," the victim said.

"I'm not the only one who reported it at the time but he always found a way not to get caught. He is very manipulative."

He thanked Derbyshire Police for pursuing the case and said the process had been filled with mixed emotions.

"It was hard to stand there and be cross-examined for three days," he said.

"That thing we had put to the back of our heads we have had to re-live again.

"The whole way through, Ditchfield looked at me and laughed at me, but I didn't stop.

"When he was found guilty it was a relief I had finally been believed by the jury. I felt happy but angry because of how long it has been... finally he's where he belongs."

He was joined in the courtroom for sentencing by six other victims, which he called "strangely comforting".

"I had felt very alone this whole time, and in that moment it felt like we weren't alone," he added.

"It was a very strange feeling. It was a horrendous thing we had to go through but sitting there it was a comfort having each other there.

"For all these years his victims have been Ditchfield's rewards - like his trophies on a shelf.

"But after Friday we are no longer his trophies and we are no longer his victims. We are survivors."

He said he still suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the abuse, and the court heard from other victims who said they also suffer with depression and drink or drug addictions.

Det Supt Ritchie Parkins, who led the police investigation, praised their "strength, character and resilience" in coming forward.

"Ditchfield's 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," he said.

"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."

Det Ch Insp Reid Martin of Lincolnshire Police, which covers Skegness, praised the victim's "remarkable courage" and said his case was proof it was never too late to report abuse to the police.

Ch Insp Simon Outen, Deputy Head of Professional Standards at the force confirmed a complaint had been received in relation to the case, which was being reviewed.

"This process will examine all aspects of the case, including how and when reports were made to us, how they were dealt with, and who was involved in processing and investigating those reports. Any learning that might come from this review will be actioned appropriately.

"As that process is now under way it would be inappropriate for us to comment on any potential outcome, but once it is completed any actions that might follow will be in line with our policies relating to standards and delivering the best possible service for our communities in Lincolnshire."

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