DARREN SWIFT OF ROTHERHAM AND TELFORD SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Rotherham and Telford, Darren Swift, a former volunteer with the Boys’ Brigade, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 23 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys over nearly two decades.

Swift, now aged 51 and residing in Telford, Shropshire, faced a court hearing where he was convicted of a total of 43 separate charges. These included five counts of buggery, 26 counts of indecent assault, and 12 counts of indecency with a child, with the crimes spanning from 1980 to 1997. The conviction followed a detailed trial held last year, during which the court heard disturbing accounts of his abuse.

It was revealed during the proceedings that South Yorkshire Police had previously been informed of allegations against Swift as early as 1997. Despite this, the police reportedly told Swift that they “wouldn’t do anything about it” if he admitted to his crimes. Her Honour Judge Jacqueline Davies expressed her concern over this apparent lack of police action, stating, “I ordered a report about the lack of police action, which I find deeply concerning. It causes me considerable concern and that concern of mine needs to be passed onto the police.”

Two of Swift’s victims had reported his abuse in 1997, but little was done at the time. The judge recounted that during police interviews, Swift was told that if he admitted to his crimes, no further action would be taken. This statement was deemed highly inappropriate and has added to the court’s concern about the handling of the case.

Swift, who is known to attend church and uses an electric wheelchair, appeared in court via a video link for the sentencing. His pattern of abuse began when he was a teenager, with his first victim being just eight years old. The young boy was introduced to Swift through a shared interest in collecting beer mats. Swift then lured him into his bedroom, where he subjected him to sexual abuse. The court heard that the boy was instructed not to tell anyone, a threat that caused him significant distress as he grew older.

Another victim, aged 11, was a member of the Boys’ Brigade in Rotherham, an organization with which Swift was involved. The court was told that Swift visited the boy’s home and indecently assaulted him. Although the boy did not return to Swift’s home afterward, the impact of the abuse was profound. He kept silent out of fear, as Swift had threatened him.

Two additional victims, both around nine years old, were abused over a period of six or seven years. Swift, who had previously been a Baptist and later converted to Mormonism, befriended one of the children after meeting his father at church. He also began abusing another boy after pretending to help his mother by taking him to activities such as ice hockey and taekwondo.

As a result of his crimes, Swift faces restrictions that may include indefinite no unsupervised contact with children under 16. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect potential future victims.

In a related case in October 2014, Swift was found guilty of abusing four boys over a span of 17 years. The jury at Doncaster Crown Court convicted him of 26 counts of indecent assault, 12 counts of indecency, and five counts of buggery, although one count of buggery was later dismissed. The victims ranged in age from eight to 14 at the time of the abuse. Detective Constable Ian Hampshire, who led the investigation, emphasized the trust placed in Swift by the community and praised the courage of the victims who came forward. Hampshire stated, “He held several positions of trust for various community groups, where he met and effectively groomed these vulnerable young boys for sexual purposes.”

Swift has been remanded into custody and is scheduled for sentencing next year, marking the culmination of a long and painful process for the victims and their families. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for authorities to act decisively in protecting children from predators hiding within trusted community roles.