Darren Hornsby Sentenced to 15 Years for Sex Offences Against Children

Essex Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Offences Against Children

Darren Hornsby, a 36-year-old man from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with an extended license period of four years. The sentence stems from his conviction for sexual offences against boys.

Hornsby was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 5th, 2024. He was also made the subject of a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Essex Police launched an investigation against Hornsby in 2019 following intelligence regarding online activity involving indecent images at his residence. A search warrant executed on February 28th, 2019, resulted in the seizure of electronic devices containing numerous indecent images of children categorized from A to C. A video depicting a young boy aged between five and seven being sexually abused was also discovered. Forensic analysis by Dame Professor Sue Black confirmed Hornsby's involvement in the abuse depicted in the video.

Hornsby pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children, but initially denied taking an indecent image of a child and sexual assault charges. Dame Professor Sue Black's testimony proved crucial in securing guilty pleas on both these counts during a November 2024 trial.

In June 2023, Suffolk Constabulary received reports of sexual assaults on two boys aged in their early teens at an address in Trimley St Martin. Hornsby had befriended the boys months prior and invited them to his residence where the assaults took place. He was arrested, charged, and remanded in custody. Initially denying these offenses, Hornsby ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a male and two counts of inciting a boy aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The sentences for the offences committed in Essex and Suffolk will be served consecutively, totaling 15 years imprisonment plus four years on extended license.