South London Man Jailed for Child Sexual Abuse

A South London man has been jailed after being convicted of sexually abusing a child. Darren Barrett, 40, of Coventry Road, Croydon, was charged with two counts of indecent assault on July 22, 2022.

The investigation began in August 2021 when the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, came forward to the Metropolitan Police.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Detectives began an investigation in August 2021 after a [person] contacted the Met to report that [they] had been sexually assaulted when [they were] a child."

Barrett was convicted on both counts at Croydon Crown Court and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for one count and nine months for the other, to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Chamberlain, who carried out the investigation, said: "It must have been incredibly difficult for the victim to come forward and speak about what [they] went through after so many years. I hope [they] will finally have some closure.

"This investigation and conviction demonstrates that the Met will take all allegations of sexual abuse seriously and we will follow the evidence to bring offenders to justice, no matter how long ago the offences occurred."

Barrett was also added to the Sex Offender's Register for 10 years.