CHARLES ROSE PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PENWORTHAM AND PRESTON

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Charles Rose, a 79-year-old former prison officer, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed against two young sisters in Kent during the early 1970s. The crimes, which took place while Rose was employed at Maidstone Prison, only came to light after the victims, now in their fifties, finally decided to speak out in 2010, decades after the abuse occurred.

Rose was arrested at his residence in Penwortham, Preston, following a lengthy investigation. His arrest marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims, who had endured the trauma in silence for many years. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of how Rose, who later moved to the Isle of Wight and then to the Preston area, systematically groomed the young girls, starting with seemingly innocent interactions such as allowing them to play with his dogs. Over time, his manipulative tactics escalated into sexual abuse.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Rose faced five charges of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury found the evidence compelling and proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court heard how Rose’s abuse was both calculated and prolonged, with the victims describing how he took advantage of their trust and innocence. One of the victims, who was only 10 years old at the time, expressed her feelings about the sentence, stating, “The sentence is more than I expected. But as far as I’m concerned he should never come out. He deserves to be in prison for the rest of his life. And at his age, there’s a chance he could well die in there.”

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC described the testimonies as “harrowing and compelling,” emphasizing the lasting impact of Rose’s actions. He detailed how Rose engaged in systematic abuse over many months, involving indecent touching, forcing the victims to fondle him, and even kissing them with his tongue. The judge highlighted the profound psychological damage inflicted, noting that one of the victims felt her childhood had been stolen and that her ability to form healthy relationships had been severely affected.

While acknowledging Rose’s age and his wife’s medical issues, including dementia, the judge made it clear that justice must be served. Rose was sentenced to six and a half years in prison, with the court ordering that he serve half of that term before being released on licence for an additional year. Furthermore, his name will be permanently listed on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The court’s decision aims to provide some measure of closure for the victims, who have endured decades of pain and shame, and to serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability in cases of historic sexual abuse.