A man has been jailed for 16 years after admitting nine child sexual offences.
Darren Richmond, 41, of Barrow, pleaded guilty to charges brought against him at an earlier hearing, which included charges of rape and attempting to sexually communicate with a child.
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison today at Preston Crown Court.
The offences occurred between 2010 and 2013, relating to one victim.
The offence relating to attempting to sexually communicate with a child online occurred in 2024 relating to a decoy account.
Richmond also received an additional five years of extended license due to seriousness of the offences and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Faye Huddleston said: “I’d like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim for reporting these offences to the police. I can only imagine what a horrendous experience this was.
“I am pleased with the sentence given out by the courts today.
“Richmond is a predator, and I can only hope that seeing him go to prison for a substantial amount of time can bring some comfort than justice has been done.
“Cumbria Constabulary is committed to thoroughly and compassionately investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences, no matter how much time has passed.
“I would encourage anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate.”
