DARREN SELLWOOD ESCAPES PRISON AFTER BRACKNELL CHILD SEX CRIMES CONVICTION

In a surprising turn of events at a court in Bracknell, Darren Sellwood, a resident of London Road, managed to walk free after being convicted of serious child sex offenses, despite his sentence being suspended.

Sellwood, aged 36, was found guilty on two counts related to sexual misconduct involving minors. The charges included one count of engaging in sexual activity with a teenager and another of meeting a child following acts of sexual grooming. The court proceedings revealed the gravity of his offenses, which took place in February 2013.

During the sentencing, Judge John Price QC emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl involved, stating, “There is no doubt that she was identified by you as a vulnerable child. She considered that what she had done was foolish, but she was 15, and you were very much older than her. It was you, and you alone, who was responsible for what happened between the two of you in those meetings in February 2013. She did as a child might do.”

The judge’s remarks underscored the predatory nature of Sellwood’s actions and the responsibility he bore for exploiting a minor. Despite the seriousness of the convictions, Sellwood was handed a sentence of 20 months in prison, but this was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

In his defense, Sellwood’s barrister, Patrick Maggs, argued that his client should be exempt from paying any victim surcharge. The reason cited was Sellwood’s impending homelessness; his current residence was reportedly unsafe, and residents are expected to be forced out in April. This plea was part of the mitigation presented to the court, highlighting the difficult circumstances surrounding Sellwood’s personal situation.

Throughout the court proceedings, Sellwood showed little remorse or emotion. He only responded with a simple “thank you” upon his release from the dock. An unidentified acquaintance who was present in court appeared shocked when the decision to suspend the sentence was announced, and was seen leaving the courtroom crying.

The defendant’s demeanor was notably detached, and he did not express any regret for his actions. The judge, however, expressed a belief that Sellwood is unlikely to reoffend, noting that he has not committed any offenses before or after the incidents for which he was convicted. This assessment seemed to influence the decision to suspend his sentence, allowing him to leave the court without serving time in prison.