Paedophile Darren Smith Faces Substantial Prison Sentence for Multiple Rapes

Darren Smith, 36, of Irene Avenue, Mill Hill, was found guilty of raping the same girl five times and five counts of indecent assault following a trial.

Smith will be sentenced on July 18 alongside three other men, aged between 45 and 60, who were also convicted of carrying out multiple historic rapes and indecent assaults on the same victim.

Judge Tim Gittens told the court: "You have been convicted of heinous and wicked crimes against the victim. You will be produced at court on July 18 where you will receive substantial prison sentences. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody."

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the catalogue of abuse spanned six years. The victim was offered to the four men for sexual purposes in return for money, cigarettes, and alcohol.

Detective Constable Jaclyn Younger, from Northumbria Police's safeguarding department, said: "This victim has stood up to the men who abused her as a child. She has suffered much of her childhood by being brutally raped and assaulted and this has undoubtedly had a huge impact on her as an adult as well. She can hold her head high and know that by speaking out she has made a difference and can now hopefully move on with her life."