Darrell Crookes, a 56-year-old resident of Belvedere Drive, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman he targeted at a party in 2021. The victim, entitled to lifelong anonymity, endured a traumatic incident as Crookes waited until she had fallen asleep after the gathering before launching his attack.

The court heard that the terrified victim woke to Crookes repeatedly uttering threatening statements, culminating in the heinous act of rape. Despite Crookes pleading not guilty to rape and two counts of assault by penetration, a jury convicted him following a trial. Last Friday, on September 22, he was handed a 12-year prison sentence.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Trussell, the investigating officer, commended the victim for her tremendous courage and dignity throughout the investigation and court proceedings. She acknowledged the evident devastating impact of the incident on the victim’s life and stressed the commitment of South Yorkshire Police to treating all reports of rape with utmost seriousness.

Trussell stated, “We will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. I hope this sentence enables the victim to attempt to move forward with her life.” The case serves as a reminder of the dedication of law enforcement to address and prosecute cases of sexual assault, emphasising the importance of supporting survivors through the legal process.