Man jailed for sexually assaulting girls in Rotherham and Cornwall

Darren Oldham sexually assaulted two teenage girls in Rotherham and Cornwall

A man has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two teenage girls.

Darren Oldham, 35, assaulted a girl in Rotherham in January 2022 after plying her with drugs, South Yorkshire Police said.

Oldham then assaulted a 14-year-old girl in Cornwall in August that year.

Oldham, of Middleton Road in Banbury, admitted sexual assault charges at Sheffield Crown Court on 8 January and was sentenced on Wednesday.

He was also given an extended licence period of three years.

PC Adam Jones from South Yorkshire Police said Oldham "took advantage of two vulnerable young girls".

Oldham was arrested on 8 November 2022 and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on a female aged 13 and over (but under 16).

A further charge of sexual assault on a female will lie on file.

Police said Oldham gave his first victim cannabis to smoke before she awoke to find him sexually assaulting her.

'No remorse'

Months later, while on holiday in Cornwall, he sexually assaulted another girl after meeting her and her friend for the first time near to a beach.

After giving the girls cannabis and alcohol, Oldham was said to have sexually assaulted the intoxicated victim when he was left alone with her.

"Oldham fled the scene and, showing no remorse for his actions, actively evaded police," a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

PC Jones, the investigating officer in the case, said: "Oldham took advantage of two vulnerable young girls, and I am pleased he will now serve time in prison.

"Justice for the victims would not have been possible without their commendable bravery, showing such courage for young girls.

"We are committed to reducing harm to women and girls and removing Oldham from our communities ensures we are working towards that goal."