Derbyshire man accused of sexually assaulting five-year-old girl when he was a teenager found not guilty

A Derbyshire man who was accused of sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl when he was a teenager has been found not guilty by a jury.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mark Hamilton had been accused of assaulting the child over a six month period during 2008 and 2009, but in the third day of proceedings at Derby Crown Court, on Wednesday, March 3, jurors returned a unanimous not guilty verdict after around 90 minutes of deliberations.

It had been alleged that Mr Hamilton had removed the child’s underwear and touched her between her legs on a number of occasions at her home and at a caravan park in Cornwall.

Read More
Warning after dog owner is chased and verbally abused on Chesterfield Canal path
Mark Hamilton has been found not guilty by a jury at Derby Crown CourtMark Hamilton has been found not guilty by a jury at Derby Crown Court
Mark Hamilton has been found not guilty by a jury at Derby Crown Court
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The court had previously heard that the complainant, who is now 18 and cannot be named for legal reasons, made disclosures to a now-ex boyfriend and her parents in 2018 about what she claimed Hamilton did to her.

The court heard that Hamilton, 28, of Kinder Way, Buxton, was 15 at the time the woman had claimed the incidents occurred.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.