Judge warns Hartlepool sex attacker he is facing ‘substantial’ jail term for assaults

A man has been warned he is facing a ‘substantial’ jail sentence after pleading guilty to a series of sex assaults.
By Mark Payne
Published 17th Feb 2021, 06:00 BST
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Darren Inkpen, 50, admitted carrying out three sexual assaults on a female in 2019, including touching her against her consent.

It is understood Inkpen was charged by Hartlepool CID.

He was due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, February 15, but changed his pleas to guilty on Tuesday.

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Inkpen appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.Inkpen appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Inkpen appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

Judge Robert Adams adjourned sentencing until Friday, May 14, for a pre-sentence report which will also consider if he poses a danger to the public.

Inkpen, of Woodview Road, Leeds, was told he will get some time off the sentence for admitting the crimes.

But Judge Adams told him: “I’m ordering a pre-sentence report but a substantial custodial sentence is inevitable.

"It is simply to deal with the issue of dangerousness and to provide some background information.”

Inkpen was remanded in custody.

Related story: Cleveland crime commissioner candidate pledges to reopen Hartlepool police cells

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