DARREN PEACOCK FROM HORDEN SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DURHAM

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Horden, Darren Peacock, aged 34, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in the street near his residence. The incident, which took place in January 2005, involved Peacock following the young girl into the street and engaging in inappropriate physical contact.

According to court reports, the teenage girl was walking in the vicinity of her home when Peacock, who had been drinking at the time, began to follow her. The court heard that he placed one hand on her stomach and another down her trousers, touching her bottom in a manner that was clearly unwanted and invasive. The girl responded by shouting for help, which caused Peacock to walk away from the scene. Despite his departure, the girl confided in her mother about the assault, prompting police to launch an investigation.

Prosecutor Penny Moreland detailed the events to Durham Crown Court, revealing that Peacock was subsequently arrested. During police questioning, he initially denied the allegations, claiming that the incident had not occurred. However, during a court appearance earlier in the month, Peacock admitted to a charge of sexual assault by touching, effectively acknowledging his misconduct.

The court also learned that shortly after the assault, Peacock was involved in a domestic altercation with his then-partner, who is now estranged from him. During this incident, he reportedly threw a can of lager at her and pushed her against a wall before she managed to escape from their shared home. Peacock later admitted to a charge of common assault related to this incident in July.

In mitigation, Ann Haugstad, representing Peacock, acknowledged his previous record of violence but emphasized that he had no history of sexual offences. She expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Peacock, who resides on Tees Street in Horden, was deeply ashamed of his actions involving the young girl. Haugstad argued that the incident was not premeditated but rather a lapse in judgment, describing it as a situation that presented itself rather than something he sought out.

Judge John Walford, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the offence and the importance of sending a clear message to the community. He stated, “To do anything other than impose a custodial sentence would, in my judgement, be an affront to your victims, and send out a wrong message, not only to you, but to others who might be inclined to abuse adolescent girls or assault their partners.”

As part of his sentence, Peacock is required to sign the sex offenders’ register and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offences.