DARREN WOOD FROM ESCOMB SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR ABUSING BOYS IN DURHAM

In April 2022, a disturbing case unfolded in Durham involving Darren John Wood, a man from Saxon Green, Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against two young boys. The court heard that Wood subjected his victims to a series of horrific and prolonged acts of abuse, which he carried out while heavily intoxicated, in what was described as a 'catalogue of depravity.'

Durham Crown Court was told that the abuse inflicted upon the boys was both 'dreadful and awful,' leaving deep psychological scars. The victims, who have since grown into adulthood, continue to suffer from the trauma, with at least one of them engaging in self-harming behaviors and battling addiction issues as a result of the abuse. The court heard emotional victim statements that detailed the lasting psychological impact of Wood’s actions.

At the time of the trial, Wood, now 48 years old, denied all allegations, claiming that the offences never occurred. Despite his denials, the jury deliberated for several days before returning guilty verdicts on all 14 charges, which included serious sexual assaults such as oral and anal rapes of the two boys. The charges represented a grave breach of trust and a severe violation of the victims’ rights.

Following the verdict, Wood was remanded into custody. The court ordered a background report to be prepared by the Probation Service and awaited victim impact statements, which were read aloud during the proceedings. These statements underscored the profound and ongoing psychological damage inflicted upon the victims.

Judge Adkin expressed concern over the risk Wood poses to the public, stating that he was satisfied the defendant presents a 'significant risk' of committing further serious offences. As a result, Wood was sentenced to an extended determinate term of 25 years in prison, with an additional five-year licence period following his release. The judge specified that Wood must serve at least 16 and a half years before being eligible for parole, although he could potentially spend the entire 25 years behind bars.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Wood was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions on his future conduct. Lifetime restraining orders were also put in place to prevent any future contact or approaches to his victims, ensuring their ongoing safety and protection from further harm.