RAPIST JAILED FOR 30 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CATALOGUE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST THREE WOMEN
A convicted rapist who inflicted severe sexual and physical abuse on three women has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.Darren Oxley not only repeatedly assaulted his victims sexually but also caused serious injuries: he fractured one woman’s jaw after pushing her down stairs and forcing his knee into her face, breaking it in several places.
He further re-broke her jaw and forced her head into a fish tank, resulting in a fractured eye socket.
On another occasion, Oxley forced a woman’s head into a microwave oven, slamming the door onto her face and breaking her nose.
He also headbutted another woman and injured her hand by shoving it into a washing machine filled with boiling water.
These disturbing attacks happened over a span of many years.
The victims’ accounts came to light in 2023 after one of them took the courageous step of reporting the abuse to the police.
The 54-year-old, of St Thomas Court in Darlington, faced charges including 20 counts: six of rape, three of indecent assault, two of unlawful wounding, and nine of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Oxley denied all allegations but was found guilty by a jury after a trial at Durham Crown Court in March.
On June 18, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
In court, statements from the three women describing how the abuse affected their lives were read aloud.
One victim stated: "I have spent years suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety, with nightmares and flashbacks that led to self-harming and attempts to end my life." Another added: "What Darren Oxley did to me completely changed my life.
He knocked out my front teeth, broke my nose, and gave me numerous black eyes I can’t even count.
You only get one chance in life, and he took my opportunity for happiness." The investigation was conducted by Durham Constabulary, overseen by Detective Constable Amie Thornton and Investigative Officer Heidi Weir from the Darlington Safeguarding Team.
Detective Inspector John Tyers from Darlington Safeguarding Team stated: "Oxley is an extremely dangerous individual who exhibited extreme violence and sexual aggression toward these women.
"This was an especially complex and difficult investigation involving abuse spanning many years.
The officers leading the case, IO Weir and DC Thornton, meticulously tracked survivors and witnesses through friends, family, former neighbors, old records, and medical archives.
"Their professionalism, compassion, and determination were crucial in achieving justice for the victims and removing a dangerous offender from society.
I also want to commend the bravery of the women involved for speaking out and supporting this lengthy investigation.
I hope this conviction offers some comfort as they work to rebuild their lives, and serves as a reminder that help is available for anyone affected by sexual violence."
