DAVID KENDRICK SENTENCED IN HAVANT FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN PORTSMOUTH
| Red Rose Database
Havant Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Havant and the surrounding areas, David Kendrick, an 81-year-old man with a long history of service in the Royal Air Force, has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The sentencing took place at Portsmouth Crown Court, where Kendrick appeared before Judge Sarah Munro QC to face the consequences of his actions.
Over a period spanning more than four decades, Kendrick engaged in a disturbing pattern of abusing young girls, some as young as two years old. The jury found him guilty of 33 counts of sexual misconduct, including two counts of attempted rape. The court heard that Kendrick targeted girls aged between five and 14, exploiting his reputation and standing within the community of Havant to conceal his heinous activities.
The court was informed that Kendrick had used seemingly innocent means such as pocket money and sweets to bribe his victims into silence. He also manipulated them into believing that the abuse was normal, further complicating their ability to speak out. The evidence revealed that Kendrick had abused nine different children, often switching victims when they threatened to disclose the abuse, demonstrating a calculated effort to evade justice.
Throughout the proceedings, it was disclosed that Kendrick’s criminal behavior began as early as 1955, coinciding with his years of service in the Royal Air Force. After his military career, he worked as a bus driver and a milkman, roles that allowed him to maintain a facade of respectability in the community of Havant, located in Hampshire. His community standing was used as a shield to hide his predatory actions for many years.
During the trial, Kendrick’s defense lawyer, Sarah Jones, argued that her client believed he loved his victims, albeit in a profoundly misguided and deviant manner. She described his actions as misguided demonstrations of love, driven by his own internal struggles and unmet desires. The defense also highlighted Kendrick’s health issues, including a recent suicide attempt, and noted that he was in his 80s, with no family support and significant physical difficulties. They emphasized his history of charity work and military service, portraying him as a man who would now face the end of his life behind bars.
Judge Sarah Munro QC addressed the court, emphasizing the devastating impact of Kendrick’s crimes on his victims. She acknowledged the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon them, noting that many had buried their experiences but were brought back to those painful memories through the trial. The judge underscored the gravity of Kendrick’s offenses, which spanned many years and involved numerous victims, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused.
In her sentencing, Judge Munro ordered Kendrick to serve 12 years for each of the two rape charges, with the sentences to run concurrently. She also imposed the maximum sentences available for the other charges, which will run at the same time, resulting in a minimum term of six years before eligibility for parole. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victims, leaving the community of Havant and Portsmouth with a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting the most vulnerable.
Over a period spanning more than four decades, Kendrick engaged in a disturbing pattern of abusing young girls, some as young as two years old. The jury found him guilty of 33 counts of sexual misconduct, including two counts of attempted rape. The court heard that Kendrick targeted girls aged between five and 14, exploiting his reputation and standing within the community of Havant to conceal his heinous activities.
The court was informed that Kendrick had used seemingly innocent means such as pocket money and sweets to bribe his victims into silence. He also manipulated them into believing that the abuse was normal, further complicating their ability to speak out. The evidence revealed that Kendrick had abused nine different children, often switching victims when they threatened to disclose the abuse, demonstrating a calculated effort to evade justice.
Throughout the proceedings, it was disclosed that Kendrick’s criminal behavior began as early as 1955, coinciding with his years of service in the Royal Air Force. After his military career, he worked as a bus driver and a milkman, roles that allowed him to maintain a facade of respectability in the community of Havant, located in Hampshire. His community standing was used as a shield to hide his predatory actions for many years.
During the trial, Kendrick’s defense lawyer, Sarah Jones, argued that her client believed he loved his victims, albeit in a profoundly misguided and deviant manner. She described his actions as misguided demonstrations of love, driven by his own internal struggles and unmet desires. The defense also highlighted Kendrick’s health issues, including a recent suicide attempt, and noted that he was in his 80s, with no family support and significant physical difficulties. They emphasized his history of charity work and military service, portraying him as a man who would now face the end of his life behind bars.
Judge Sarah Munro QC addressed the court, emphasizing the devastating impact of Kendrick’s crimes on his victims. She acknowledged the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon them, noting that many had buried their experiences but were brought back to those painful memories through the trial. The judge underscored the gravity of Kendrick’s offenses, which spanned many years and involved numerous victims, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused.
In her sentencing, Judge Munro ordered Kendrick to serve 12 years for each of the two rape charges, with the sentences to run concurrently. She also imposed the maximum sentences available for the other charges, which will run at the same time, resulting in a minimum term of six years before eligibility for parole. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victims, leaving the community of Havant and Portsmouth with a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting the most vulnerable.