Violent rapist jailed for 30 years for ‘extreme sexual and physical violence’ on three women

A violent rapist will spend the next 30 years behind bars after being convicted of ‘extreme sexual and physical violence’ on three women.

Darren Oxley’s horrific offending took place over several years between 1988 and 2002 while he was in relationships with the women.

As well as repeatedly raping and sexually abusing the women, he left one with a broken jaw after pushing her down the stairs and forcing his knee into her face, causing it to break in multiple places.

Oxley also punched the woman, breaking her jaw again, and forced her head into a fish tank, which left her with a fractured eye socket.

On another occasion, he forced a woman’s head into a microwave and slammed the door on her face, causing her nose to break. He then threw a screwdriver at her as she tried to run away, leaving her with an open wound to her lower back.

He knocked another woman’s front teeth out after he headbutted her in the face, and injured her hand by forcing it into a top loading washing machine which was filled with boiling water.

Oxley’s offending came to light in 2023 when one of the women bravely contacted police and told them what had happened.

An investigation was launched by Durham Constabulary, which was led by Detective Constable Amie Thornton and Investigative Officer Heidi Weir from Darlington Safeguarding Team.

Through their enquiries, they found that another two women had also suffered abuse at the hands of Oxley.

The 53-year-old, of Darlington, was charged with a total of 20 offences, including six counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two of unlawful wounding, and nine of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Oxley denied the offences, but was convicted by a jury following an 11-day trial at Durham Crown Court in March.

He returned to court last Thursday (June 18) where he was jailed for 30 years and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Victim impact statements from the three women were read out in court, highlighting the long-lasting mental and physical effect his abuse had on them.

“Darren initially charmed me, but over time I became frightened of him,” one said. “The relationship was not equal, I felt controlled, intimidated, and unable to make my own decisions. I was often scared of what would happen if I did something he did not want.

“During this time I experienced both physical and emotional harm. I was left with injuries on multiple occasions, and the constant threat of violence meant that I lived in a state of ongoing anxiety and depression. I felt trapped, as though I could not safely stay, but also could not safely leave.”

Another woman said: “For 26 years, I have lived with both physical and mental scars from the abuse I suffered at the hands of Darren Oxley. I have spent years suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety with nightmares and flashbacks, which have led to self-harming and attempts to end my life.

“The fractures to my lower jawbone have caused problems with my teeth, pain, and lockjaw. I also have a phobia of anyone touching my face, which makes me flinch and panic.”

The third woman said: “When the police knocked on my door back in April 2023, I felt a wave of emotion that hit me like a train. What Darren Oxley did to me shaped my life completely.

“He knocked my front teeth out, broke my nose, and gave me so many black eyes I lost count. If it wasn’t for the police coming to me, I would probably still be living with all the memories bottled inside me.

“You only get one chance in life, and he totally stole my chance of any happiness.”

Detective Inspector John Tyers, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “Oxley is a highly dangerous individual who showed extreme levels of violence and sexual aggression towards these women. As a result, they have been left with long-lasting physical and emotional scars, some of which they may never recover from.

“This was an exceptionally complex and challenging investigation into sexual and physical abuse which spanned multiple decades. The officers who led the case, IO Weir and DC Thornton, undertook a painstaking and methodical investigation, which included extensive tracking of survivors and witnesses through friends, relatives, former neighbours, historical records, and archived medical evidence.

“Their professionalism, empathy and determination were instrumental in securing justice for the victims and removing a dangerous offender from society.

“I’d also like to commend the women in this case for having the strength to speak to police, and support what has been a long and complicated investigation. I hope that this outcome provides a measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives, and serves as a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk