DAMIEN POWELL CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WEST MALLING

In June 2017, a man from West Malling was found guilty of a serious sexual assault involving a young girl. The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court, where Damien Powell, aged 45 and residing on Catlyn Close in West Malling, faced charges of sexually assaulting a female child under the age of 13. Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury returned a verdict of guilty after careful deliberation.

According to the prosecution, Powell's arrest was prompted by concerning behavioral changes observed in the young girl. The girl, whose age was under 13, began to exhibit 'sexualised' behaviors that raised alarm among her family and authorities. During the trial, it was revealed that on one distressing occasion, the girl was able to demonstrate in graphic detail what had been done to her, providing crucial evidence of the abuse.

The victim's mother played a pivotal role in the case by contacting the police immediately after noticing her daughter's troubling behavior. Law enforcement responded swiftly, arranging for a medical examination of the young girl. The medical reports confirmed signs of abuse, corroborating the allegations made by the child.

Judge Adele Williams presided over the case and instructed the jury, which consisted of ten women and two men, to reach a unanimous decision. After deliberation, the jury found Powell guilty of the charges. Following the verdict, Powell was remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled to take place later this month. A probation report is also expected to be considered before the final sentencing decision is made.