DARREN SHARP FROM GOSMORE SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS FOR HISTORICAL SEX OFFENCES AGAINST GIRLS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Darren Lee Sharp, a man with ties to Gosmore, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of six counts of indecent assault involving three young females. The offences, which occurred over two decades ago, have only recently come to light, leading to a thorough investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Sharp, who pleaded guilty to the charges at Cambridge Crown Court on September 15, was formally sentenced last week, with the court acknowledging the severity of his crimes. The assaults took place between 1996 and 1997, a period during which the victims were all under the age of 14. These incidents predate Sharp’s employment as a school caretaker, a position he held at St Ippolyts Primary School from October 2008 until June 2014.

It was only this year that the allegations surfaced, prompting police to launch an investigation led by the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team. Following the report, Sharp was arrested in June 2014 and charged with the offences. An inquiry by Hertfordshire County Council’s child protection unit, alongside police, initially found no evidence of misconduct during his tenure at the school. Authorities clarified that the crimes for which Sharp was convicted occurred well before his employment at St Ippolyts Primary School and were unrelated to his role there.

Det Sgt Chris Treadwell expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “What Sharp did cannot be undone but I hope the sentencing brings some sense of closure for the women who bravely came forward and reported him. I also hope our investigation and the subsequent sentencing demonstrate how seriously reports of past crimes are taken. It can be very difficult for a victim of a sexual offence to come forward, but I would like to reassure people we will treat all reports appropriately and with sensitivity, regardless of how long ago the incident occurred. We have a dedicated team of trained specialist staff who investigate these offences.”

He further emphasized the importance of support services, mentioning that victims who are hesitant to report directly to police can seek assistance from sexual assault referral centres, which provide advice, guidance, and support to men, women, and young people who have experienced sexual assault, whether recent or historical.

Jon Brown from the NSPCC added, “This case sends a clear message that regardless of when abuse has taken place, perpetrators can still be brought to justice. It’s vital victims know they will be listened to and supported, and this case demonstrates it. The young women involved have shown remarkable bravery in coming forward.”

For those seeking help or wishing to report sexual offences, contact can be made through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at 0808 178 4448 or the NSPCC Helpline at 0808 800 5000.