A 61-year-old man from Sheerness has been given an indeterminate sentence for sex offences against two young girls, which were described by the judge as 'utterly vile and depraved.'

Joseph Richard Davey was sentenced when he appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 5 February. He had earlier pleaded guilty to 17 specimen charges of sexual abuse.

The offences, which included indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, indecency with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, rape, causing child pornography and perverting the course of justice, were committed over a 10 year period.

Sentence

Davey was given an indeterminate sentence of which he must serve at least 16 years before he is eligible for release.

On release from prison, he will have to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and will not be allowed to work with children either in a paid or voluntary position. He will also be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite period.

'Breach of trust'

On sentencing, Judge Andrew Patience QC said that Davey had not realised the sheer horror of what he had done to each of the children. He treated each from a very young age in a way that was cruel, degrading, humiliating and deeply, deeply damaging.

He told Davey: 'It was the grossest and foulest breach of trust. You present a significant risk of re-offending. The fact that you have ruined your own life is your own fault.'

No remorse 

Today’s sentence was the culmination of a six month long investigation by child protection officers from Kent Police based in the mid Kent public protection unit, which is based at Sittingbourne Police Station.

PC Nicki Hunt, who led the investigation, said: 'Despite his guilty plea, Davey has never shown remorse for his actions. He was a scheming and predatory child abuser who committed unimaginable abuse over a long period of time.

'Davey groomed his two young victims, threatening them that they would end up in prison if they ever told anyone what was happening. For 10 long years they believed him.'

Victims' courage commended 

PC Hunt commended both victims for their courage throughout the investigation. She said: 'Both girls were phenomenal. They have been fully supportive of the police investigation throughout and were quite happy to go into the witness box and give evidence had Davey not admitted the offences. The success of the investigation would not have been possible without the sheer bravery they have shown.

'I am glad that the sentence reflects the severity of these offences. Davey’s victims are still coming to terms with what has happened to them and it will take them a long time to re-build their lives.

'I hope that this case shows other victims that people who abuse children will be pursued by Kent Police and brought to justice no matter how long ago the crimes were committed. Every child matters and we will always do everything in our power to support victims and bring offenders to justice.'

If you suspect child abuse

If you believe a child is being or has been abused, please contact the mid Kent public protection unit by calling 01795 419310.

Posted on: 8 February 2010