DARREN JAMES ACOMB SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN YORK

In a case that has shocked the local community, Darren James, a 42-year-old man from Acomb, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting and raping a young girl. The incident took place in York, where the victim, a young girl, became separated from her family while out shopping. Seizing the opportunity, James took her into an alleyway adjacent to a shop, a dark and secluded area that provided the perfect setting for his heinous acts.

According to the court proceedings, James carried out his first sexual assault on the girl in this alley. The assault was described as serious and deeply disturbing. Over the following days, James committed further sexual offenses against her, culminating in a rape. The trauma inflicted on the girl was evident, and her suffering was highlighted during the trial. A police-recorded video, made years after the abuse, revealed her lingering fear and distress, with her stating, “I still feel frightened of him.” She also expressed her anger and frustration over what had happened to her.

During the trial in December, the jury learned that the girl initially kept her ordeal to herself, fearing repercussions or punishment. It was only after confiding in a relative that she disclosed the details of James’s abuse to her family and a social worker. Her fear of getting into trouble prevented her from speaking out sooner, but her courage in finally revealing the truth was a pivotal moment in the case.

It was established that James and the victim were not related, which added a layer of complexity to the case. The court heard that the abuse was sustained and targeted a particularly vulnerable individual, as described by Recorder Dapinder Singh QC. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the impact on the young girl, who was left traumatized.

In sentencing, James received a substantial prison term of 15 years. Additionally, he will be under supervision for an extra year following his release, due to the nature of his offenses and his classification as an “offender of particular concern.” He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which aims to prevent him from committing further sexual offenses indefinitely.

James, who resides on Thoresby Road in Acomb, denied the charges of rape and two counts of sexual assault. However, the jury found him guilty after a trial held last December. His legal representative, Amanda Johnson, stated that there was nothing she could say regarding the offenses themselves and that she was not in a position to argue remorse on his behalf. Despite having previous convictions for four other offenses, James had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses and had never served time in prison before.

Members of both the victim’s family and James’s family were present in court during the sentencing hearing, reflecting the community’s concern and the personal impact of the case. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of James’s crimes and the ongoing need to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual predators.