DARREN SUTHERLAND FROM LEVENSHULME AND CHORLTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

In January 2012, a disturbing case unfolded involving Darren Sutherland, a man with a troubling history, who was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls in the Chorlton area. Sutherland, aged 29 at the time, was already registered as a sex offender when he committed these heinous acts on a public playing field in Chorlton, where a group of four children was playing under the watchful eyes of their guardians.

According to reports, Sutherland was visibly intoxicated during the incident. He encountered one of the children who was stuck in the mud and, under the influence of alcohol, lifted her out to help her. However, his actions took a sinister turn as he proceeded to drink beer and then sexually assault two of the girls. The young victims managed to break free from his grasp and ran away, seeking refuge with their friends. They quickly escaped on their bikes, but Sutherland did not give up. He mounted his own bicycle and followed the girls to another nearby park.

In the park, Sutherland's behavior escalated further when he demanded money from the two girls. When they refused, he pushed both of them to the ground. The victims' quick thinking and bravery allowed them to escape further harm, and they reported the incident to their parents. The parents contacted the police, providing a description of Sutherland, which led to his immediate arrest. During the police investigation, authorities confirmed that Sutherland was a registered sex offender, which added gravity to the charges against him.

He was subsequently charged and brought before Manchester Crown Court. On September 18 of the previous year, Sutherland was sentenced to 32 months in prison. The court also ordered him to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and imposed a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order to monitor his behavior and prevent further offenses.

Detective Constable Lee Fisher commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of the victims' bravery: “Sutherland was a registered sex offender who not only assaulted two young children but also pushed their friends over in anger. While he was drunk, neither this nor anything can excuse sexually assaulting and frightening a group of young girls, and quite rightly he has been jailed. I would like to praise the courage of the young girls in coming forward so quickly and telling their parents. Despite what had happened to them, they had the presence of mind to speak up immediately, which allowed officers to respond swiftly and identify Sutherland before he could escape.”

Fisher also urged the public to remain vigilant: “If anyone is approached by a stranger and feels uncomfortable or is sexually assaulted, they should follow the example of these brave girls and contact police immediately so we can take swift action.”