Locations
Brookfield Street, Bideford, EX39
Description
In a case shocking Bideford, Darren Edwards, 40, of Brookfield Street, was convicted at Exeter Crown Court of raping one teenage girl last year, plus two rapes, two sexual assaults, and two other sexual offences against a second teenage girl.
The investigation began after one victim's family contacted police. Evidence showed Edwards bullied the under-16 victim, gave her money and cannabis, and repeatedly assaulted her sexually. The other victim reported multiple rapes and assaults.
Post-arrest, CCTV captured Edwards trying to wash himself in a toilet and again after requesting water, in an apparent attempt to erase evidence. Medical exams confirmed one victim's DNA on him.
Edwards claimed consensual activity with the first girl on a smaller scale, unaware she was underage; he dismissed the second girl's allegations as fabricated and called his washing innocent. He has a long record of violence and dishonesty but no prior sexual convictions.
Judge Graham Cottle sentenced him to 22 years in prison, indefinite sex offenders register, and disqualification from working with children, citing the crimes' severity and victim impact.