Darren Edwards BIDEFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR RAPE OF UNDERAGE TEENAGERS
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Bideford Rapist
In a significant case that has shocked the community of Bideford, Darren Edwards, aged 40, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving two teenage girls. The incident, which took place over a period of time, culminated in Edwards being found guilty of raping one girl in a separate incident last year, as well as committing two additional rapes, two sexual assaults, and two other sexual offences against the second victim.
Edwards, who resides on Brookfield Street in Bideford, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face justice for his actions. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his conduct, including an attempt to erase evidence of his crimes while in police custody. Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial indicated that Edwards was caught on CCTV trying to wash himself in a toilet after his arrest. This behavior was further observed when he requested a glass of water, during which the CCTV footage showed him attempting to clean himself again. Medical examinations confirmed that the DNA of one of the victims was found on him, strengthening the case against him.
The police investigation was initiated after the family of one of the girls contacted authorities, leading to Edwards's arrest. During questioning, the police learned that Edwards had repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct with one of the victims, who was under 16 at the time. The victim disclosed that Edwards had bullied her, provided her with money and cannabis, and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults. The court heard that the other girl also came forward, revealing that Edwards had raped her on multiple occasions and sexually assaulted her on other occasions.
In his defense during the trial, Edwards claimed that he had engaged in consensual sexual activity with the girl he was accused of raping last year. He insisted that their encounter was on a much smaller scale than the girl described and maintained that he was unaware she was underage at the time. Edwards dismissed the allegations as false and insisted that the accusations from the other girl were entirely fabricated. He also stated that his behavior, such as washing his hands in the police station, was innocent and that he had nothing to hide.
Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, expressed his serious concern over the nature of Edwards's crimes and the impact on the victims. After considering all evidence, the judge sentenced Edwards to 22 years in prison, with the additional order that he must sign the sexual offences register indefinitely. Furthermore, Edwards received an immediate disqualification from working with children, reflecting the severity of his offences. Although Edwards has a long criminal record that includes violence and dishonesty, he had no previous convictions related to sexual offences. The sentence underscores the court's commitment to protecting vulnerable minors and holding offenders accountable for their heinous actions in Bideford.
Edwards, who resides on Brookfield Street in Bideford, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face justice for his actions. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his conduct, including an attempt to erase evidence of his crimes while in police custody. Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial indicated that Edwards was caught on CCTV trying to wash himself in a toilet after his arrest. This behavior was further observed when he requested a glass of water, during which the CCTV footage showed him attempting to clean himself again. Medical examinations confirmed that the DNA of one of the victims was found on him, strengthening the case against him.
The police investigation was initiated after the family of one of the girls contacted authorities, leading to Edwards's arrest. During questioning, the police learned that Edwards had repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct with one of the victims, who was under 16 at the time. The victim disclosed that Edwards had bullied her, provided her with money and cannabis, and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults. The court heard that the other girl also came forward, revealing that Edwards had raped her on multiple occasions and sexually assaulted her on other occasions.
In his defense during the trial, Edwards claimed that he had engaged in consensual sexual activity with the girl he was accused of raping last year. He insisted that their encounter was on a much smaller scale than the girl described and maintained that he was unaware she was underage at the time. Edwards dismissed the allegations as false and insisted that the accusations from the other girl were entirely fabricated. He also stated that his behavior, such as washing his hands in the police station, was innocent and that he had nothing to hide.
Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, expressed his serious concern over the nature of Edwards's crimes and the impact on the victims. After considering all evidence, the judge sentenced Edwards to 22 years in prison, with the additional order that he must sign the sexual offences register indefinitely. Furthermore, Edwards received an immediate disqualification from working with children, reflecting the severity of his offences. Although Edwards has a long criminal record that includes violence and dishonesty, he had no previous convictions related to sexual offences. The sentence underscores the court's commitment to protecting vulnerable minors and holding offenders accountable for their heinous actions in Bideford.