Grays man convicted of 14 sexual offences against a child
The 66 year-old has been found guilty of 14 crimes
Last updated 13th Aug 2024
Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team has praised the “tenacity and strength” of a young girl, after a man has been found guilty of 14 sexual offences against her.
John Darby, 66 of Thames Road, Grays, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, 9 August where he was found guilty of 14 offences.
In 2017, Essex Police received a report from a young girl, who bravely disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Darby for a number of years.
The abuse began when the victim was just eight years old.
Darby was arrested and in interview denied all allegations against him.
Despite his denial, he was charged with 12 counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempted assault of a child under 13 by penetration.
A trial began at Basildon Crown Court on 6 August.
On Friday, 9 August, the jury returned in less than two hours and found Darby guilty on all counts.
He will appear at the same court on Thursday, 15 August to be sentenced.
Detective Inspector, Emma Portfleet, said:“The trauma that Darby has put this victim through is despicable. Even when given the opportunity, he refused to plead guilty, putting the victim and witnesses through a trial.
“In addition to the horrendous ordeal that this victim has been through, she has had to spend years re-living what happened to her when she was a child.
“I praise the bravery, tenacity and courage of this victim for remaining patient throughout this investigation in order to put a dangerous man behind bars. His conviction will not reverse the damage he has done, but I hope that the victim is able to start moving forward.
“Our Crime and Public Protection team will continue to work to make sure that dangerous perpetrators such as Darby are held accountable for their crimes.
“No matter how recently an offence took place, we will always investigate and support victims throughout the process.”
Getting support
Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex.
Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).
Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.