ANTOINE ALLET FROM GILLINGHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND MOLESTATION

In July 2012, Antoine Allet, a 39-year-old resident of Gillingham, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious offences related to child abuse and indecency. The court heard that Allet had committed sexual assault against a young boy and had also engaged in the possession and distribution of a vast collection of illicit images depicting child abuse.

Allet pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, 11 counts of making indecent photographs of children, and five counts of possessing such images. The evidence presented at Maidstone Crown Court revealed that some of the images recovered from his devices were classified by police as among the most severe levels of abuse, highlighting the disturbing nature of his crimes.

During the sentencing, Deputy Judge Andrew Patience QC described Allet’s abuse of the young boy as “wicked,” emphasizing that the trauma inflicted on the victim would likely have lasting effects. The judge expressed concern over Allet’s apparent lack of remorse and insight, noting that he seemed intent on minimizing the severity of his actions. The court was particularly troubled by Allet’s behavior, which demonstrated a troubling desire to downplay his misconduct.

Judge Patience also addressed the broader implications of Allet’s online activities, stating, “It encourages others at the other end of the chain to inflict horrid, horrific and foul abuse upon innocent children. These acts are inflicted upon children of all ages who are subjected to the most painful and terrifying experiences, and it’s happening now on this planet as we speak. Why? Because people like you are prepared to download the stuff.”

Defense lawyer Crispian Cartwright argued that the sexual assaults did not involve penetration and that the boy was not subjected to violence, force, or threats. He also mentioned that the offences occurred during a difficult period in Allet’s life, when his wife, who has supported him throughout, was suffering from ill health. Mr. Cartwright described the offences as reflective of a “very sad and disturbed time” in Allet’s life.

However, Judge Patience dismissed these explanations, stating that while his wife’s health issues might provide some context, they could not serve as an excuse for his actions. Allet was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, was prohibited from working with children, and was placed under a sexual offences prevention order. He had already served 90 days on remand prior to sentencing, and he remains subject to strict legal restrictions moving forward.