CHRISTOPHER CARTER SENTENCED IN GILLINGHAM FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In September 2009, a disturbing case unfolded in Gillingham involving Christopher Carter, a young man who was convicted of serious sexual offenses against a very young girl. Carter, aged 23 and residing on Woodlands Road in Gillingham, was found guilty of molesting a minor, an act that has left a lasting impact on the victim and her family.

During the court proceedings, Carter admitted to two charges of sexual assault involving the young girl. The prosecution, led by Jonathan Turner, highlighted the distress caused to the victim, noting that she became visibly upset and confided in her mother about what had happened. Turner emphasized that the girl’s mother and the child herself believed that incarceration was the only appropriate response to Carter’s actions.

In his defense, Carter’s lawyer, Louise Oakley, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the difficult choice faced by the court. She pointed out that Carter had not tried to evade responsibility and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. Oakley argued that a custodial sentence would have a devastating impact on Carter, citing his behavioral problems and the fact that his mother was at her wit’s end dealing with his issues.

Despite the defense’s plea for a community order with three years of supervision, the judge decided otherwise. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the need for finality in the case. The judge stated, “I have in mind the impact of a custodial sentence on you,” and explained that, due to the severity of the crimes, a non-custodial sentence was not appropriate. The court also noted that there was no available mental health treatment at the facility, which influenced the decision.

As part of his sentence, Carter was banned from working with children and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court underscored the importance of public safety and rehabilitation, but ultimately concluded that incarceration was necessary to serve justice and protect the community of Gillingham from further harm.