DARRAN HAWKES FROM STOCKTON SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the Stockton community, Darren Hawkes, aged 24, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses committed against three young girls. The crimes took place over an extended period, beginning in 1996 when Hawkes was just 12 years old, and continued until 2004, when he was 20. The proceedings took place at Teesside Crown Court, where a jury found Hawkes guilty of a series of heinous acts.

During the trial, it was revealed that Hawkes had committed three separate rapes, along with twelve counts of indecent assault, five charges of indecency with a child, one count of assault by penetration, and an additional charge of inciting a child under the age of 13 into sexual activity. The victims, all girls, ranged in age from five to twelve at the time of the abuse, highlighting the prolonged and predatory nature of Hawkes’s actions.

The courtroom was filled with emotion, with Hawkes’s family members, including his parents and wife, occupying the public gallery. The atmosphere was tense as the gravity of the case was laid bare.

Robin Denny, representing Hawkes, described the case as a tragedy, emphasizing that the abuse began when Hawkes was only around 12 or 13 years old. Denny stated, “Obviously this has been a complete tragedy. We are talking about a process of abuse that has started as early as the time when the defendant was 12 or 13 years of age. That is a fact that should have some significance.”

Judge Peter Bowers addressed the court, noting the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the case. He sentenced Hawkes to eight years in prison and imposed strict conditions to protect children in the future. Hawkes was banned from living with any child under 16 without prior approval from the local authority and was prohibited from working with children for a period of five years.

Outside the court, Detective Inspector Jason Dickson commented on the case, stating, “Darren Hawkes has refused to admit his guilt throughout this investigation and subsequent trial. His lack of admissions meant that his victims had to give evidence against him in court which they did with great courage and dignity. The sentence reflects the serious nature of this offending and particularly the fact that Hawkes preyed on his victims from a very young age and over a prolonged period of time.”