DARREN ROBINSON FROM LONDON AND AMMANFORD EXPOSED AFTER ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY SHOW REVEALS HIS CRIMINAL PAST

In a shocking revelation, Darren Robinson, a man originally from London and now residing in Glanamman, Ammanford, was featured on the BBC's popular property program, Escape To The Country, in September 2013. The show, which typically follows individuals seeking rural homes to escape urban life, inadvertently became a platform that highlighted Robinson’s attempt to start anew in South Wales.

Robinson, aged 41 at the time, was filmed exploring various rural properties in South Wales, expressing a desire for a spacious four-bedroom home with period features and at least 15 acres of land overlooking the Welsh valleys. One of the properties he viewed was notably close to a primary school in Roch, Pembrokeshire. During the filming, Robinson explained his motivation for relocating, stating, “London seems to have got a little bit more unpleasant. So we think the time is right to enjoy the wilds of the countryside.”

He and his wife, Kasia, were shown touring three picturesque homes, with the couple expressing hopes of starting a new life as alpaca farmers. The production company, Boundless, filmed the segment on behalf of the BBC, which was eager to showcase Robinson’s plans for a rural lifestyle.

However, what was not disclosed during the broadcast was that Robinson had been facing serious criminal charges related to sexual offenses. Less than a year prior to filming, he had been charged with multiple counts of sexual activity with a minor, believed to be around 15 years old, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Despite this, Robinson assured the BBC that he had no criminal record or ongoing cases, leading to his appearance on the show.

Tragically, just weeks after the filming concluded, Robinson was convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison at Woolwich Crown Court in June. His conviction included eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The revelation of his criminal past has sparked outrage and disappointment among viewers and advocacy groups alike.

Peter Saunders, Chief Executive of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s the height of insensitivity to broadcast something that features somebody who’s committed such a vile crime. This could have huge psychological effects on a victim. It cries out for more vigilance and I’m hoping to meet the new BBC Director General to discuss things like this.”

In response, the BBC issued a statement asserting that they “categorically would not have broadcast” or produced the episode had they known about Robinson’s police investigation and criminal history. The corporation emphasized that Robinson had lied to producers about his background, claiming he had no criminal record or pending cases at the time of filming.

Robinson’s case has cast a shadow over the program, which is hosted by presenters such as Nicki Chapman and Jonnie Irwin. The show’s premise involves house-hunters seeking to leave city life behind for a peaceful rural existence. The incident has raised questions about the vetting process for participants and the responsibilities of broadcasters in safeguarding the public from exposure to individuals with a history of serious crimes.