Darren Conway, a 52-year-old from Enfield in north London, has admitted to orchestrating a campaign of sexual abuse by encouraging other men to assault unconscious and sleeping women. He will face sentencing on 30 October at Wood Green Crown Court.
Conway pleaded guilty to nine counts of assisting or encouraging an offence, one count of voyeurism, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image. The charges relate to his participation in an online forum where videos depicting sexual offending and domestic abuse were circulated among offenders across the country and beyond.
During his appearance at court, Conway confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas to all charges. Police discovered the online group in October 2025, leading to his subsequent arrest after investigators identified him as an active member of the chat group.
How was the abuse carried out?
Examination of Conway's personal devices revealed that he had actively encouraged fellow group members to commit sexual offences. On numerous occasions, he specifically instructed one man to remove a sleeping woman's clothing and sexually assault her. Beyond these direct encouragements, Conway also distributed images and videos of a sexual nature within the group.
The broader network under investigation represents what authorities describe as a truly international operation. According to reporting on the investigation, 270 individuals have been identified since October 2025 as linked to one particular online forum and associated websites. Police have indicated that Conway's case forms part of a broader national crackdown that had already produced at least 14 separate UK investigations by July 2026.
What are the wider implications?
The discovery of the online forum prompted the establishment of a national coordination group led by the National Crime Agency. Officers continue working to identify as many victims as possible from the footage found on Conway's devices. While much of the documented offending is believed to have occurred within the UK, investigators acknowledge that some victims may be located overseas.
Commander Andy Day of the Metropolitan Police emphasised the severity of drug-facilitated sexual offending, describing it as having
lasting and devastating impacts on its victims. He characterised Conway's actions as
shocking, adding that
by encouraging others to engage in sexual offending against victims who were unconscious, asleep, or otherwise stupefied, he has put women at a serious risk of harm in their own homes - all for his own sexual gratification.
Tracy Easton, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, stated that Conway had
committed vile acts against women in their own homes, a place where they should feel safe. She continued:
Organised drug-facilitated sexual assault is abhorrent and we are determined to work with policing to bring offenders to justice. Easton expressed hope that the guilty plea would encourage potential victims to come forward, saying
I hope this guilty plea gives confidence to anyone who believes they may have been subjected to similar abuse to come forward.
What happens next?
Conway is scheduled to be sentenced on 30 October at Wood Green Crown Court. Judge John Dodd KC will determine his sentence following the guilty pleas.
