DARREN ABBOTT FROM GRAVESEND AND WEST THURROCK JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ROMNEY MARSH

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Gravesend and West Thurrock, Darren Abbott, a man with a troubling history, was convicted of serious sexual offences involving a young boy. The incidents spanned several years during the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, with Abbott exploiting his position and trust to commit these heinous acts.

Abbott, who was employed as a bus driver for disabled children and later worked for Stagecoach buses, was found guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on December 13, 2012. The court heard that during his twenties, Abbott enticed a young boy, aged between four and eight years old, into his caravan located in Ivychurch, Romney Marsh. It was there that he committed indecent assaults, a series of offences that took place over a period of four years. The abuse was not confined to the caravan; additional offences occurred at Abbott’s residence on the Parsonage Road estate in West Thurrock.

The trial revealed disturbing details of the abuse, which persisted over several years, causing significant harm to the young victim. Despite denying the allegations, Abbott was convicted after a full week of deliberations by the jury. His actions prompted a severe judicial response, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence. Of this, five years are to be served in custody, with the remaining three years on extended licence, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions.

In addition to his imprisonment, Abbott was subjected to a series of strict court orders aimed at protecting the public and preventing further offences. These include an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, mandatory registration on the sex offenders register for life, and a disqualification from working with children. Abbott’s case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial measures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.