Former youth worker convicted of historic child sex offences

A former youth group worker in Rotherham has been convicted of more than 40 sexual offences against children, dating back to the 1980s.

50-year-old Darren Swift who lives in Telford was found guilty following a two week trial at Doncaster Crown court.

The offences cover a 17-year period between 1980 and 1997 in Rotherham, while Swift worked at various local sporting clubs and youth groups. The charges relate to four boys who were aged between eight and 14 while the abuse took place.

Police have praised the victims for speaking out so many years later. Detective Constable Ian Hampshire who lead the investigation said:

“Each victim was subjected to years of abuse by this man who was a trusted member of the local community. He held several positions of trust for various community groups, where he met and effectively groomed these vulnerable young boys for sexual purposes. I am pleased with the verdict reached today and I pay tribute to the victims who had the courage to come forward and disclose their ordeal."

Swift has been remanded into custody and will be sentenced in the New Year.