DARREN TOMLINSON FROM SALFORD SENTENCED FOR DREADFUL CHILD ABUSE IN SALFORD AND MANCHESTER

In April 2021, a disturbing case unfolded in Manchester Crown Court involving Darren Tomlinson, a man from Salford, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. The court heard how Tomlinson, now 43 years old, committed a series of sexual offenses that left a lasting scar on his victim, who has since come forward to share her painful story.

Tomlinson was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape of a child. The abuse took place when the victim was still a minor, with the court establishing that Tomlinson was in his early twenties at the time of the offenses. The judge, Clement Goldstone QC, described the crimes as 'dreadful offences' and emphasized the severity of his actions.

During the sentencing, the judge did not hold back in condemning Tomlinson’s perception of himself as a victim. He stated, “You see yourself as the victim. There is, I’m afraid, only one victim in this case, and it is not you.” The court detailed how Tomlinson’s offending was characterized by opportunism and repeated behavior, with no regard for the trauma and damage inflicted upon his young victim.

The victim, now an adult, bravely addressed the court, revealing the profound and ongoing impact of the abuse on her life. She described how her experiences have affected every aspect of her being, leading to crippling anxiety and panic attacks. She shared her feelings of failure and despair, recounting a period when she believed that ending her life was the only way to find peace. Her emotional testimony underscored the devastating toll her ordeal has taken.

As part of his sentence, Darren Tomlinson will be required to sign the sex offender register for life, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his movements and interactions. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the lasting harm caused to his victim. The case highlights the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing struggle for healing and closure.