DARREN JOHN WOOD

RAPIST GIVEN EXTENDED 25-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

A man who was described as having committed a series of heinous acts has been sentenced to an additional 25 years in prison for ongoing sexual abuse toward two boys.

Darren John Wood subjected his victims to distressing and horrible experiences aimed at fulfilling his sexual desires, which he committed while heavily intoxicated.

Durham Crown Court was told that the abuse caused lasting trauma to the victims, with at least one engaging in self-harm and battling addiction issues.

The psychological impact persisted well into adulthood for both individuals.

The defendant, now 48 years old and residing in Saxon Green, Escomb near Bishop Auckland, faced accusations of 14 serious sexual offences, including oral and anal sexual assaults inflicted upon the boys.

Wood denied the charges, asserting that the offences never occurred, a position he maintained during his trial earlier this year.

However, after a lengthy deliberation over six days, the jury found him guilty of all 14 charges.

He was remanded into custody while a Probation Service background report was prepared and victim statements were collected.

The judge sentenced Wood to serve at least 16 and a half years in prison before he can be considered for parole, though he could remain incarcerated for the full 25 years.

Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, and both a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifetime restraining orders were imposed to prevent any future contact or approach toward the victims.