FATHER OF VICTIM SPEAKS OUT AFTER SEX OFFENDER DAVID HART OF NORTHFLEET IS JAILED

In June 2008, David Hart, a 44-year-old man from Springhead Road, Northfleet, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to 12 criminal charges related to the abuse of a teenage girl.

Hart was convicted of a sexual assault involving touching, with evidence obtained from two photographs. He also admitted to taking two indecent images of a 15-year-old girl and possessing nine indecent photographs of other children.

Outside the court, the father of the teenage victim expressed relief and concern, saying, "I am pleased he got a custodial sentence. I think the judge did the best he could. We are worried about the future and we are worried when he is released he might prey on other girls."

During the hearing, Judge Jeremy Carey was informed that the 15-year-old victim had confided in her family about a relationship with a 17-year-old Salvation Army member. However, her family only discovered Hart’s involvement when her father checked her mobile phone call history.

Hart was first arrested on August 7 of the previous year and interviewed by police. Despite this, he maintained contact with the girl. A few days later, her mother found a scrapbook containing meal receipts and memorabilia related to their encounters. This led police to seize two computers belonging to Hart, which contained 71 indecent images.

Further investigation revealed three videos on Hart’s computers depicting children aged between three and 11 being sexually abused.

Prosecutor Alex Wilson stated that Hart was notably obsessed with the girl, having used a computer map to mark various locations connected to her, including her school. In mitigation, John Connor argued that Hart loved the girl and was flattered by her attention.

In passing sentence, Judge Jeremy Carey told Hart that he was deluding himself and needed rehabilitation. Although sentenced to 15 months, Hart had already served 118 days on remand and was immediately placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.