DARREN COOK FROM DARWEN AND OSWALDTWISTLE SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION

In a case that has shocked the communities of Darwen and Oswaldtwistle, Darren Cook, aged 26, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of multiple serious offenses involving child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The conviction follows a detailed investigation into Cook’s disturbing activities, which included the sexual assault of a young girl in his own bedroom, as well as the creation and possession of numerous indecent images and videos depicting children. Prosecutors revealed that Cook was responsible for 43 counts related to the production and possession of 289 indecent images, some of which were classified at the most severe level of depravity. Additionally, he was charged with inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, further highlighting the gravity of his crimes.

The police described Darren Cook as a ‘prolific, determined and systematic’ offender, emphasizing the calculated nature of his actions. His criminal activities came to light after vigilant members of the community and law enforcement worked together to uncover his illicit activities. The investigation was sparked when an observant officer recognized a corner of a bedspread in some of the illegal images, which had been seen during a search warrant executed at Cook’s residence.

Further allegations against Cook included an attempt to bring a nine-year-old Serbian girl into the country for the purpose of committing additional sexual offenses. However, this particular charge was ultimately dropped by Judge Heather Lloyd, who ordered it to be left on the file without proceeding to trial.

The case was initiated after the Blackburn with Darwen Child Sexual Exploitation Engagement team received intelligence from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) agency. This intelligence pointed suspicion towards Cook, leading authorities to seize his computer. An examination of his digital devices uncovered fragments of data suggesting that Cook had discussed trafficking a young Serbian girl into the UK for a fee of a few hundred pounds.

Originally residing on Birch Hall Avenue in Darwen, Cook was first charged in November 2010. Following his arrest, he was released on bail and moved to Saxon Close in Oswaldtwistle. However, his presence on the estate did not go unnoticed. By February 2011, local residents became increasingly concerned about his whereabouts. Community members launched a campaign, distributing leaflets to approximately 60 neighboring houses, publicly identifying his address and raising awareness among parents and guardians.

The situation escalated to the point where police had to intervene for Cook’s safety. Officers had to remove him from the estate, covering his head with a blanket to protect him from potential harm from the angry residents. Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan commented on the case, stating, “Cook is a dangerous man who targeted and exploited a vulnerable young girl. This type of predatory crime will not be tolerated, and we will continue to target, warn, and prosecute offenders to send a clear message that such behavior is criminal and unacceptable. We are committed to pursuing those involved and ensuring they are brought to justice.”