DARRAN SHILLITO AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN KENT
A profoundly malevolent and dangerous sexual predator who subjected a young girl to repeated acts of sexual assault has been given a lengthy prison sentence.Darren Shillito, residing on Victoria Park in Dover, was found guilty of three counts of rape following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
The 40-year-old was subsequently sentenced to 18 years in prison, and he will not be eligible for parole until the parole board determines he no longer poses a threat to society.
The victim’s mother shared heartbreaking details about how her family’s life has been shattered by these events.
She expressed her grief over the loss of her once joyful and smiling daughter, who now struggles with severe psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation.
The mother articulated the devastating impact of the abuse, stating, "The whole situation has devastated our family - there are no words to explain.
My little girl, my miracle baby who had to endure the relentless horrors, I have lost my happy smiling little girl." Throughout the sentencing proceedings, Shillito’s conduct in court reflected his coldness and possible guilt.
When his statement was being read, he was visibly distressed, with his head bowed and then calling out inaudibly as discussions about his sentence took place.
In response, Judge Catherine Brown issued a firm warning, stating, "If you continue to mutter and call out you will be taken to the cells and this hearing will continue without you." She emphasized, "You maintained and still maintain this abuse did not occur.
These allegations were before the jury and they were sure, as am I, that she gave a reliable account of what happened." The judge also noted Shillito’s lack of remorse, describing him as remorseless regarding his actions.
She further ruled that he would be prohibited from being alone with children upon his release, declaring him dangerous and emphasizing the necessity of protective measures.
At the time of the jury’s verdict, Shillito had no prior convictions and maintained a clean employment record, which was noted during sentencing.
Despite this, Shillito’s defense was represented by Simon Taylor QC, who underscored that the mitigation would focus on the principle of totality, although the defendant continued to contest his guilt during the trial.
Supported by family members in court, Shillito shouted, "I’m not guilty, mum," as he was led away to begin his prison sentence.
In July, Shillito was convicted of three counts of raping a girl under the age of 13 and sexual assault.
The jury was undecided about an additional count of sexual assault.
As part of his sentence, he will serve an additional year on license after his release, be subject to notification requirements, and a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order will remain in place to monitor his behavior.
The case was described as profoundly troubling by authorities.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Hall of Kent Police’s Vulnerability Investigation Team acknowledged the courage of the young victim and her family for supporting the investigation.
He condemned Shillito’s apparent lack of remorse and his continual denial of the crimes, which further compounded the trauma experienced by the victim.
Sergeant Hall expressed satisfaction that the investigation had led to a guilty verdict and that the resulting sentence would ensure that this dangerous individual remains incarcerated for a significant period.
He also urged anyone aware of ongoing abuse or suspecting someone they know is being mistreated to contact police immediately.
The police department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
