ANTHONY COLLINS SENTENCED IN KENT FOR CHILD ABUSE CRIMES
A young victim of child abuse has been commended for her remarkable bravery and dignity as Anthony Collins, a man deemed highly dangerous, begins serving a lengthy prison sentence.During a court session at Canterbury Crown Court, Judge Mark Weekes addressed Collins directly, acknowledging the profound impact his actions had on the young girl.
The judge stated that although Collins' deviant behavior had inevitably 'wrecked' a significant period in her life, it had not 'broken her spirit.' It was revealed that the girl, who had initially endured her suffering in silence, eventually found the strength to come forward and report the heinous acts committed against her.
Her decision to speak out was a pivotal moment, forcing Collins to confront the gravity of his crimes and admit guilt, especially in light of the overwhelming evidence presented against him.
Judge Weekes expressed admiration for the victim, emphasizing her resilience.
He told Collins, 'You grossly violated her at a vulnerable time in her life.
She was left confused and probably frightened.
She suffered in silence for months, doing her best to cope with the situation...
hating the abuse and feeling unable to speak out...
You left her for broken.' The judge further acknowledged the lasting effects of the abuse, stating, 'It is beyond any argument that this has had and will have a considerable impact on her life.' He reviewed her victim impact statement, which detailed how the abuse had affected her, and highlighted that her courage in coming forward was a victory in itself.
Despite the trauma inflicted, Judge Weekes underscored that the girl’s bravery in reporting the abuse and giving evidence demonstrated that her spirit remained unbroken.
Her dignity, he said, could not be taken away, and her actions had forced Collins to confront his own abusive tendencies and admit to them.
The court praised her for taking such a difficult step, recognizing the strength it required.
Anthony Collins, who resides at The Acre, in Whitfield, Dover, pleaded guilty in May to 14 counts of sexual activity with a child.
The court had adjourned sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports.
However, upon his return to court on Friday, it was revealed that Collins, despite admitting to the charges, attempted to minimize his criminality and shifted blame onto the victim.
A probation officer’s assessment concluded that Collins posed a high risk of re-offending, particularly in terms of sexual abuse and exploitation of female children.
Based on this, Judge Weekes determined that Collins was a dangerous offender, warranting an extended sentence for public protection.
While acknowledging that Collins showed some capacity for remorse and change, the judge emphasized that the risk he posed necessitated 'intensive management' over a long period.
Collins was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, with the stipulation that he must serve at least two-thirds of this term before being eligible for parole consideration.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Weekes stated, 'I have reached the conclusion that you are dangerous within the meaning of the statute, despite the fact that you are of good character, and despite the letter you have written to me.
You are no longer a young man, and thus the potential for real and lasting change in you is much more limited.
However, nor will you be old when you are released.' He further criticized Collins for attempting to deny any sexual attraction to children and for victim-blaming, which he viewed as indicators of ongoing risk.
The judge noted that Collins’s failure to acknowledge his tendencies and his limited insight into his offending made him a prime candidate for further offending if not subjected to strict supervision.
Judge Weekes highlighted that Collins engaged in highly risky behavior, often oblivious to the possibility of being caught, and that his sexual needs, when unmet, led to thoughts or acts of abuse.
Consequently, the court deemed it necessary to impose an extended sentence, which would include an additional four and a half years on top of any license period once Collins is released.
Furthermore, Collins will be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults for the foreseeable future.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society, particularly to young girls in Kent.
