Man, 57, jailed in connection with child sex offences

A 57-year-old man has been jailed for more than four years after he pleaded guilty to 11 child sex offences.

Between 1995 and 2000, Darren James Wood sexually assaulted a girl on numerous occasions. Then, between 2013 and 2019, Wood repeatedly sexually assaulted another girl.

The offences came to light in 2024 when both girls, now women, reported what had happened to Northamptonshire Police.

An investigation was launched, and Wood was subsequently charged with six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by touching, and three counts of sexual assault on a female.

After pleading guilty to all 11 offences at Northampton Crown Court in November, Wood returned to the same court in January where he was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

Lead investigator - Detective Constable Samuel Bennett said: “Although nothing can ever erase the awful experiences these women went through at the hands of Darren Wood, I hope the conclusion of this case provides them with a sense of justice.

“They have been through so much and this result is a testament to their bravery and strength.

“I hope this case reassures our local communities and demonstrates the seriousness and care with which we handle reports of this nature.”