Darren Broadbent 33

Description

This is the face of a Hull dad found guilty of horrific sexual offences including rape.

Darren Broadbent, 31, of Seafield Avenue, Hull, denied six sexual offences but he was convicted by a jury after a trial of five of them, including rape and offences of assault by penetration.

His victim was left suffering "mental torment" as well as nightmares, flashbacks and night terrors. The abuse had caused "catastrophic effects" on her and the "severe psychological harm" had badly affected her whole life through a "tidal wave" of suffering, Hull Crown Court heard.

Judge Mark Bury said that Broadbent committed the offences when he was much younger but the girl did not report any of them at the time. "She did not appreciate the severity of what you were doing," said Judge Bury.

"You, however, did have some idea because you told her on more than one occasion not to tell anybody. It would be your secret. She was anxious about whether she would be believed."

"The court can see how devastating your actions have been," said Judge Bury. "It has affected every aspect of her life. You took the case to trial and the court is now in a good position to see the harm that you have caused."

The "catastrophic effects" of Broadbent's behaviour on the girl had become clear. "She continues to have nightmares and night traumas," said Judge Bury.

"She has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. She has sadness. Now that you are going to be sent to jail, she will get some closure. Severe psychological harm has been occasioned. You did know you were doing wrong. These are serious offences, as you well know."

The girl said in a statement: "I have suffered with mental torture over the years, which has gradually got worse and worse. What Darren did to me was so wrong. What's happened should never have happened. I suffer with nightmares and night terrors."

She said that she would "wake up dripping with sweat" and this had been happening as long as she could remember. This was the lowest point of her life.

Sometimes she struggled to get out of bed and she struggled to sleep at night. She had suffered a "tidal wave" of effects. "This is not the life I should be living," she said.

"The nightmares, flashbacks and night sweats continue, along with intrusive thoughts. My family have given me so much support throughout this. He has taken too much from me and put me through too much hurt."

Charlotte Baines, mitigating, said that there had been no repeat of the offending. "He does not pose a high or significant risk to children at this particular time," said Miss Baines.

Broadbent had a lack of previous convictions, including for anything similar. He was married, had a daughter and had been working.

Broadbent was jailed for six years and must register as a sex offender for life.