Darren Swift – Telford man charged with 43 counts of historic sexual offences

Darren Swift took advantage of his trusted position to carry out a string of offences against youngsters over a 17-year period.

The 50-year-old was working in Rotherham when he carried out the offences between 1980 and 1997. Yesterday he was found guilty of 26 counts of indecent assault, 12 counts of indecency and five further sexual offences. A further charge was discarded during his trial at Doncaster Crown Court. Swift, of Lawrence Road, has been remanded into custody and will be sentenced next year.

The charges relate to four boys who were aged from eight to 14 at the time. Detective Constable Ian Hampshire, of South Yorkshire Police, who lead the investigation said: “Each victim was subjected to years of abuse by this man who was a trusted member of the local community. “He held several positions of trust for various community groups, where he met and effectively groomed these vulnerable young boys for sexual purposes. “I am pleased with the verdict reached and I pay tribute to the victims who had the courage to come forward and disclose their ordeal.

“It is difficult to comprehend the strength it will have taken each victim to report this abuse to police years after it took place. “Because Swift continually denied his guilt, each victim was forced to relive their traumatic experience in front of a jury, which is further testament to their strength of character. “I hope that for the victims, this marks the conclusion of years of torment for them and their families. “The Force remains committed to tackling child sexual exploitation and take any reports of sexual abuse, historic or current, very seriously.”

If you or a loved one have been subject to abuse please do not hesitate to contact our specialist child abuse solicitors. We will treat any communications with the strictest of confidence. Individuals may be able to pursue the school in respect of a civil claim for compensation.