ALAN JACKSON OF SHEERNESS SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND PUPPY DROWNING CRIME

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sheerness, Alan Jackson, a 67-year-old resident of Clyde Street, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years for a series of heinous crimes committed over four decades. The court heard that Jackson was responsible for the sexual abuse of a young girl and boy, acts that spanned approximately 40 years, leaving deep psychological scars on his victims.

During the proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, the judge described Jackson's actions as persistent and horrific, emphasizing the severity of the violations inflicted upon the children. Jackson was convicted on multiple counts, including two charges of rape, six counts of indecency with a child, and three counts of indecent assault. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Jackson maintained his innocence throughout the trial, dismissing the allegations and branding the woman who was abused as a child as “evil, dangerous, a psychopath, a total liar.”

The court was informed that Jackson's abuse extended beyond mere molestation; he also forced the victims to engage in sexual acts with each other. One particularly harrowing account involved the girl, now in her mid-40s, recounting how Jackson drowned puppies in front of her. She testified that she begged him to save at least one of the puppies, to which he responded that he would if she performed a sex act on him. She complied, but Jackson proceeded to kill the puppy by submerging it in water and then stamping on it, an act that the judge described as a form of torture and blackmail.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens condemned Jackson's cruelty, stating, “One has only to reflect on the incident concerning the puppy. You used the life of that puppy effectively to torture and blackmail your victim.” The judge further remarked on the profound impact of Jackson's actions, noting that he had robbed the children of their childhoods through manipulation and control, which resulted in lasting mental scars. The victims exhibited signs of deep psychological trauma, with the court observing their mental anguish and the long-term effects of such abuse.

Additional revelations during the trial included Jackson's history of indecent exposure and another sexual offence committed around the same time as the abuse of the girl and boy. The court also learned of Jackson's previous convictions dating back to the 1970s and early 1980s, including an indecent assault on a boy in 1973. Jackson explained these past offences by claiming he had experienced an “emotional breakdown.”

As part of his sentence, Jackson will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, and a sexual offences prevention order has been issued to prevent him from working with children. The judge highlighted Jackson's manipulative and intimidating behavior, noting the coercion involved and the long-lasting harm caused by his crimes. The court acknowledged that the effects of such abuse can manifest many years later, often causing ongoing pain and difficulty for victims even into adulthood.

In addressing Jackson's demeanor, the judge pointed out the palpable trauma experienced by the victims, emphasizing their fear, humiliation, and the trust issues that may persist for years. Despite Jackson's insistence on his innocence, the court found no grounds for mitigation, condemning his conduct as deeply abhorrent. The judge considered Jackson's age and health, which led to a reduction in the sentence, but the overall punishment reflected the gravity of his crimes and their enduring impact.