Child abuser jailed following anonymous tip off to the NSPCC
An investigation was launched by Cleveland Police into Darren Hinson
A man's been jailed for 22 years for historical child sexual abuse after information was given to a children’s charity anonymously.
In 2022 the NSPCC received a referral stating two children had been sexually abused many years ago by 55-year-old Darren Hinson, sparking a Cleveland Police investigation.
The information was passed to specialist detectives from the force's CAVA team, with the officer covering the case, Detective Sergeant Natasha Vaughan, identifying the two women and making contact with them.
She reassured them that the amount of time which had passed made no difference to police taking action against Hinson and they were offered appropriate support.
The women confirmed that Hinson had sexually abused them as vulnerable children aged between 4 and 10 years old and that his horrific offending had continued over a period of years.
The complex and extensive investigation continued and in 2023 Hinson was charged with 16 non-recent sexual offences against two children. Officers say the offences included sexual touching and rape.
On 16th August this year a jury at Teesside Crown Court found Hinson guilty of all 16 counts and he was immediately remanded into custody until his sentencing at the same court.
Hinson will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and he'll be subject to stringent conditions and monitoring on his release from prison.
Det Sgt Vaughan said:
“Because we received the information from a third party, the victim-survivors received contact from the police out of the blue, so I had to be very mindful of this and the impact it would have on them.
“Both women displayed great courage though, and they fully supported our investigations from the outset.
“I’m so grateful for this and I hope this result brings a degree of comfort as they continue to process everything they’ve been through.”
CAVA Chief Inspector Matt Murphy King added:
“I’m extremely glad and grateful that someone took the time to report Hinson’s abuse to the NSPCC. He might have thought he’d never face justice for his abhorrent actions but he has now been held accountable for what he did.
“ Anyone who has experienced abuse of any nature, whether recent or non-recent, can report via this organisation if they don’t feel able to contact police.
“If you do feel able to speak to police, I can promise you my specially trained officers will listen to you, they will believe you and they will support you.
“We can also put you in contact with our excellent specialist local organisations who can also give you bespoke advice and support during the police investigation and the entire court process.”
You can report at any time to Cleveland Police via the 101 number.