EARBY SEXUAL PREDATOR DARREN CALVERT SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON

In September 2013, Darren Calvert, a man from Earby, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two young children. The court heard that Calvert, now aged 37, engaged in a series of disturbing acts of grooming and abuse over a period spanning from 1999 to this year.

Calvert was found guilty of kissing the victims, touching them indecently, and performing sexual acts, actions that were driven by his perverted urges. One of the victims was subjected to the viewing of a pornographic film that contained distressing scenes of rape, a detail that added to the severity of the charges.

The defendant, who resided on Wentcliffe Drive in Earby, was arrested after he voluntarily approached the police and confessed to his crimes. During the court proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, Calvert admitted to a total of 13 allegations, including three counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. He also pleaded guilty to nine other charges, which involved engaging in sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to participate in sexual acts, and causing a child to watch a sexual act, all against the second victim.

It was noted that Calvert had no prior criminal convictions before these offenses. As part of his sentence, he was issued with an indefinite sexual offences prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham described the impact on the victims, stating that the first victim had attempted to move past the trauma and had expressed relief in knowing that Calvert could no longer harm anyone else. The second victim was described as being left distressed and upset by the ordeal, having kept the abuse secret for some time.

During police interviews, Calvert admitted to succumbing to his urges, stating that he had 'caved in' to certain impulses. He was interviewed multiple times over two days, revealing a recognition of his actions and their severity.

Calvert, who had been held on remand since his arrest, was represented by solicitor Richard Taylor, who acknowledged that his client was aware of the lengthy custodial sentence he faced. Taylor emphasized Calvert’s desire for treatment, expressing hope that he could address and potentially cure his deep-seated issues and unlawful desires. The court’s verdict reflected the gravity of the crimes committed and the need to protect the community from further harm.