A Chesterfield man has been jailed for 10 years after being found guilty of sexual offences against a teenager and raping a woman while he was under investigation for those crimes.
Danny Hailes, 22, of Heather Vale Road, Hasland, was convicted of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, threatening to disclose private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, and stalking involving fear of violence, against a girl in her early teens.
Derbyshire Police officers described him as a "dangerous, manipulative and controlling individual" who self-described as a "player", but who was in fact a predator.
Offences came to light after school raised concerns
Hailes' offences first came to light when the school of the teenage girl raised concerns. He was arrested and still under investigation for the offences against the teenager when he went on to offend against a second victim.
A woman in her twenties reported that Hailes had controlled her and raped her. The 22-year-old protested his innocence after being arrested and charged with the offences against both victims.
Refused to provide phone PINs
Hailes also repeatedly refused to provide the PIN for his phones during investigation and in court. Detective Staff Investigator David Wright, officer in the case for the woman, said: "He clearly had something to hide, and the CPS applied for a deprivation order for his phones due to the nature of the offending.
"Danny Hailes said in open court that he was a player. The jury decided on the evidence that he was in fact a predator. At no point has he took responsibility for his actions, nor shown any remorse. He has made both victims relive their ordeals in court as an attempt to maintain control over them till the last."
Sentenced after 13-day trial
Following a 13-day-trial in June, a jury found the Derbyshire man guilty of the above charges against both victims. On September 14, he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Hailes was also handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and lifetime restraining orders in respect of his victims. He had additionally been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, rape, and stalking against a third woman but was found not guilty of these during the trial.
He will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and the Child’s Barred List, which means he can be prevented from working with children.
Officer in the case for the first victim, Detective Constable Matt Charlesworth, commended the victims for their bravery in coming forwards and giving evidence in court against "such a dangerous, manipulative and controlling individual".
"I also wish to publicly extend my thanks to other witnesses who put their own anxieties and fears to one side, by providing evidence and making an invaluable contribution to securing his conviction," he added.
"Whilst I am sure no sentence can offer suitable redress for the level of trauma Hailes has caused, I do hope that this outcome goes at least some way towards allowing all those affected by his actions the opportunity for some form of closure".
