Sunderland Paedophile sentenced

A Sunderland paedophile who sent voice notes of himself masturbating has been sentenced.

Darren Jarrett, 42, was talking online to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy who he sent multiple sexual images and voice notes to.

However, what he didn’t know, was he had actually been speaking with a police officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) as part of a wider investigation.

Jarrett, of Margate Street in Sunderland, sent countless sexually explicit messages discussing the long list of people he was allegedly talking to as well as voice notes of himself masturbating.

Communication began in March 2025 and in June the same year, Jarrett was arrested by officers and had several devices seized.

He was subsequently charged with engage in sexual communication with a child and cause/incite a child to engage in sexual activity and later pleaded guilty to all charges.  

Yesterday (Thursday), he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months, a 10-year Sex Notification requirement and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

NEROCU Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said: “Jarrett sent extremely explicit messages and voice messages, even when he believed he was talking to a child. He is a dangerous predator and thankfully, this investigation has led to a successful outcome at court.

“As always I’d like to thank all the officers and staff involved in this investigation and anyone who has been a victim, or wants to talk to an officer and raise some concerns, to get in touch immediately – you will be heard and you will be supported.”

If you have concerns about child abuse or want to report a crime, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.