Timothy Herbert Darch

Timothy Herbert Darch, aged 62, has been sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment for a series of non-recent sexual offences committed against vulnerable young boys in the 1990s. As a youth counsellor in Swindon, Darch exploited his position of trust to target boys aged between 14 and 15, providing them with money and accommodation before subjecting them to abuse.

The offences, which included four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault of a male, occurred throughout the 1990s. Darch met at least one of his victims through his professional role, gaining their trust through gifts and shelter. The case came to light after one victim learned of Darch's prior conviction for possession of indecent images. Despite Darch's vehement denials regarding his involvement with the first victim, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including photographs of the victim in Darch's home, witness testimonies, diary extracts, and a contemporaneous police referral, which dismantled his false claims.

Darch was convicted following a trial at Swindon Crown Court on 28 March 2024. In addition to his custodial sentence, he received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his future behaviour. Alun Morgan, District Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, stated: "Timothy Darch preyed on young boys who he knew were vulnerable – latching onto these vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification." Morgan further commended the victims for their courage in providing testimonies years after the events, emphasising that the case demonstrates it is never too late to seek justice.

The prosecution was handled by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wessex, within the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit. This conviction underscores the long-term impact of historical sexual abuse and the importance of victim testimonies in securing accountability.