Man jailed following sickening sexual offences

A man was sentenced yesterday (Wednesday 26 February) to seven years and four months in prison and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years following an investigation into child sex offences.

(Darren Gosling)

Darren Gosling, 52, of Dutch Riverside, Goole appeared at York Crown Court. He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of indecent images and was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

York CID launched an investigation into Gosling, after reports were received that he had sexually assaulted a young child. Gosling was arrested by North Yorkshire Police on Friday 19 November 2021. Following his arrest, officers seized his phone and discovered dozens of indecent images of children, including eight of ‘Category A’, the most serious.

Detective Constable Gemma Illidge of York CID said: “I would like to recognise the bravery of the victim for having the courage to speak out about Gosling and we thank her for trusting the police.

“It is because of her courage to come forward that we have been able to see Gosling put behind bars.

“I hope the outcome gives confidence to victims of any kind of sexual abuse to come forward. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, we can and will prosecute the perpetrators.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse – or you are aware of children who may be at risk – please report it to the police, whether it’s happening now or if it happened in the past. We will investigate thoroughly, and ensure you receive the information and support you need. Your courage in coming forward will protect other people from abuse, and help bring offenders to justice.”