DARREN MCGLEN FROM WASHINGTON FACES COURT OVER DECADE-OLD SEX OFFENCES AT ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN DURHAM

In a significant development at Durham Crown Court, Darren McGlen, aged 50 and a resident of Haydon in Washington, appeared to face charges related to serious sexual offences committed approximately ten years ago. The case has garnered considerable attention due to the nature of the allegations and the prominent role McGlen once held as the owner of a well-known Italian restaurant in the region.

McGlen, who was previously the director of Pepe’s restaurant located in Beamish near Chester-le-Street, was accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with two teenage girls. The court heard that these offences took place roughly a decade prior to the court proceedings, which have now culminated in a guilty plea. Initially, McGlen had denied all charges, but on the Monday prior to his sentencing, he changed his stance and admitted to seven counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The allegations involve two female teenagers, though the court was cautious in specifying whether they were school-aged, with prosecutor Dan Cordey clarifying that the victims were teenagers at the time of the incidents. The court proceedings revealed that these serious accusations had a profound impact on McGlen’s professional life, leading to the closure of Pepe’s restaurant, which was a popular dining spot in the area. The restaurant was subsequently taken over by new owners last year after McGlen’s initial court appearances.

Records from Companies House indicated that liquidators were appointed to wind up Pepe’s Restaurant Ltd on October 10, 2016. The company, which was managed by McGlen and his wife Michelle as co-director, owed creditors a total of £234,529. Among these debts, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was owed £92,428, and the company owed £17,183 in National Insurance contributions. Interestingly, McGlen himself was listed as a creditor owed £82,524, highlighting his financial entanglement with the business.

Following his guilty plea, McGlen was released on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced next month. The court has mandated that he must register as a sex offender and will be required to make contact with police officers soon. Judge Christopher Prince emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “You must return here for sentence on April 28. All sentencing options will be open when you return to court, Mr. McGlen. Your name will now be on the sex offenders’ register, and you will be required to comply with police requirements.” The case underscores the lasting impact of these allegations on McGlen’s personal and professional life, and the legal proceedings continue to unfold in Durham.