A vile paedophile who sexually abused vulnerable children has been put behind bars for 22 years.

Darren Hinson, 55, was found guilty of 16 counts of non-recent sexual offences against two children. The offences included sexual touching and rape at Teesside Crown Court on August 16.

The sentence comes after the NSPCC received a referral in 2022 stating two children had been sexually abused many years ago by Hinson.

The information was passed to specialist detectives from Cleveland Police’s CAVA (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults) team, with officer in the case Detective Sergeant Natasha Vaughan identifying the two women and making contact with them.

She reassured them that the amount of time which had passed made no difference to police taking action against Hinson, and they were offered appropriate support.

The women confirmed that Hinson had sexually abused them as vulnerable children and that his horrific offending had continued over a period of years.

In 2023, Hinson was charged with 16 non-recent sexual offences against two children, the offences included sexual touching and rape.

Hinson will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life

Det Sgt Vaughan said: “Because we received the information from a third party, the victim-survivors received contact from the police out of the blue, so I had to be very mindful of this and the impact it would have on them.

“Both women displayed great courage though, and they fully supported our investigations from the outset.

“I’m so grateful for this and I hope this result brings a degree of comfort as they continue to process everything they’ve been through.”

CAVA Chief Inspector Matt Murphy King added: “I’m extremely glad and grateful that someone took the time to report Hinson’s abuse to the NSPCC.  He might have thought he’d never face justice for his abhorrent actions but he has now been held accountable for what he did.

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“Anyone who has experienced abuse of any nature, whether recent or non-recent, can report via this organisation if they don’t feel able to contact police.

“If you do feel able to speak to police, I can promise you my specially trained officers will listen to you, they will believe you and they will support you.

“We can also put you in contact with our excellent specialist local organisations who can also give you bespoke advice and support during the police investigation and the entire court process.”