A sex offender registered near Maidstone has received a prison sentence after claiming he was only conversing with a minor to get her banned from a website.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, police conducted an unannounced search at Darren Cross’s residence.
During the search, they examined his mobile device and found that he had created new online profiles without providing their usernames to Kent Police, violating his obligations under the sex offenders register.
Additionally, officers discovered that Cross had erased his internet browsing history and had attempted to communicate sexually with a minor.
The 42-year-old was taken into custody, and during questioning, he attempted to justify his actions by stating he was trying to locate underage users on the platform to report them to moderators, leading to their banning.
Despite his explanation, evidence showed that Cross had sent numerous sexually explicit messages to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
Residing in Ditton, Cross was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two violations of failing to meet his obligations under the sex offenders register, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
He admitted to the charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to two years in prison.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
s under the sex offenders register, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He admitted to the charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to two years in prison.
Court order
Residing in Ditton, Cross was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two violations of failing to meet his obligations under the sex offenders register, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Prison sentence
two years
He admitted to the charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to two years in prison
