DAVID RICHARDSON FROM FAVERSHAM AND DEAL SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Deal and Faversham, David Richardson, aged 54, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious charges related to child abuse and sexual assault. The conviction came after a seven-day trial that culminated on March 21, when a jury unanimously convicted Richardson of three counts of child abuse, including rape and two counts of sexual touching.

The court also found him guilty of causing a child to engage in sexual activity with another person, with the verdict on that charge being 10 to 2 in favor of guilt. Richardson, who was formerly residing in Faversham but was living in Walmer, Deal at the time of sentencing, received a sentence of 14 years in prison. However, the judge emphasized that Richardson would need to demonstrate that he no longer posed a danger to the public before being considered for release. Additionally, he will be subject to lifelong monitoring, including registration on the sex offenders’ register and continuous surveillance of his movements.

The crimes committed by Richardson came to light years after the abuse occurred, when the victim reported the incidents. DNA evidence played a crucial role in confirming that Richardson was the biological father of her child, a revelation that added a disturbing dimension to the case. Throughout the proceedings, Richardson maintained his innocence regarding the rape allegations, claiming that he had started an affair with the victim only after she reached adulthood, citing that he was not receiving sufficient intimacy at home as his reason for the relationship.

During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Michael Lawson QC expressed his horror at the case’s details. He described Richardson as an “extremely dangerous individual” and highlighted the profound harm inflicted upon the victim and her family. The judge pointed out that Richardson’s use of alcohol and cannabis to facilitate his crimes, including the rape and inciting two children to have intercourse, had severely compromised the innocence and trust of the young victims. The judge remarked on the lasting impact of Richardson’s actions, emphasizing that the damage to the victims’ development, education, and emotional well-being would never fully heal.

Judge Lawson also criticized Richardson’s reckless behavior, noting that he was so eager to fulfill his sexual desires that he failed to take precautions, resulting in the birth of a child who is dearly loved but whose life has been significantly affected by the circumstances of his conception. The judge’s words underscored the profound and lasting consequences of Richardson’s actions.

DC John Milham, a member of the Kent Police team specializing in child abuse investigations, paid tribute to the victim, whose life had been turned “upside down” by Richardson’s actions. He praised her courage and determination in coming forward, which ultimately led to Richardson’s conviction. Milham emphasized that Richardson’s crimes against an innocent child were particularly heinous and that without the victim’s cooperation, justice might not have been achieved. He expressed hope that the sentence would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their experiences, reaffirming the police’s commitment to pursuing offenders regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred. The case serves as a stark reminder that justice can be pursued long after the abuse, and that every child’s safety and well-being remain a priority for law enforcement.