After a man, John Darby Grays Paedophile, has been found guilty of 14 sexual offences against a young girl, THE ESSEX Police Child Abuse Investigation Team hailed her “tenacity and strength.”
John Darby, 66, of Thames Road, Grays, was found guilty of 14 offences at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, August 9.
A young girl boldly told Essex Police in 2017 that John Darby had sexually molested her over several years.
The victim, who was barely eight years old, started the abuse at Thurrock Yacht Club, where he regularly taught youngsters how to sail.
John Darby was detained and, under interview, refuted all claims against him.
Notwithstanding his denial, he was charged with twelve counts of assault of a child under thirteen by penetration, one offence of inducing a minor to engage in sexual conduct, and one case of attempted assault of a child under thirteen by penetration.
On August 6, a trial got underway at Basildon Crown Court.
The jury returned in less than two hours on Friday, August 9, declaring Darby guilty on all charges.
John Darby will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, August 15.
Emma Portfleet, a detective inspector, stated, “The anguish John Darby has inflicted upon this victim is appalling. He refused to enter a guilty plea even given the chance, subjecting the victim and witnesses to a trial.
Apart from the terrible suffering this victim has endured, she has had to spend years revisiting what happened to her in childhood.
“I commend this victim for her grit, tenacity, and courage for patiently waiting through this inquiry to place a dangerous criminal in prison. Although his conviction won’t undo the harm he caused, the victim can hopefully start moving ahead.
“Our Crime and Public Protection team will strive to see that violent offenders like John Darby are answerable for their actions.
“We will always investigate and assist victims regardless of how recently an offence occurred.”
There is help available to everyone impacted by rape and sexual assault; no victim or survivor exists in isolation. Synergy Essex offers victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and both sexes across Essex specific help.
Comprising rape and sexual abuse clinics in Essex, Synergy Essex is a collaboration of CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Independent of the police, Synergy Essex supports victims and survivors all along their path.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.