DARREN KAY

Darren Kay intoxicated the girls with alcohol and cigarettes to build their trust before subjecting them to sexual assault and rape.

The victims, who are now in their thirties, were teenagers at the time of the abuse, which took place between 2004 and 2006 when Kay was in his thirties.

The crimes went unnoticed for nearly two decades until one victim saw Kay in public, which triggered memories of her ordeal.

Following her recognition, the other victim also came forward, prompting an investigation in 2022.

Kay voluntarily attended a police interview and, in December of that year, was formally charged with multiple sexual offenses against the girls.

The 56-year-old resident of Hill Top, Bolsover, denied the allegations and faced trial at Derby Crown Court.

A jury convicted him of two counts of rape, one count of digital penetration, and three counts of sexual touching involving a girl aged 13 to 15.

On June 27, the judge sentenced Kay to 12 years in prison and imposed lifelong restraining orders to safeguard the victims.

Detective Sergeant Mark Webb, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims, noting that they endured 20 years of trauma before the case reached court.

He emphasized the gravity of Kay’s actions, describing them as predatory and premeditated, and pointed out that Kay believed he could evade justice.

Webb added that Kay’s denial and the lengthy trial process prolonged the victims’ suffering.