DERYCK FORREST SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPE IN GILLINGHAM

In September 2008, a father from Gillingham was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping his daughter. Deryck Forrest, 44 years old, received his sentence at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday following a trial held in July. Prosecutor Andrew Collings stated that Forrest, who resides in Gillingham, had denied having sexual intercourse with his daughter, Stephanie Webster, from Gravesend, when she was 16 years old.

During sentencing, Judge Philip Statman remarked, "You maintained right the way through your trial that sexual intercourse never took place, although there is DNA evidence to the contrary." He also emphasized that Forrest had broken his daughter's trust. The judge added, "I appreciate the relationship with her had not been an easy one, but as your child, she was entitled to look to you for protection and support. She was a vulnerable young woman, and she has suffered significant emotional trauma from your actions."

As part of his sentencing, Forrest was banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender. His legal representative, Danny Moore, commented, "It will be difficult for him because this will be his first prison sentence."

After the court proceedings, Stephanie Webster, who chose not to remain anonymous, spoke out. She said, "I don’t think the sentence is long enough, but this is the start of the beginning of the rest of my life." She also expressed that pursuing legal action against her father has had a positive impact on her life and encouraged others who have experienced similar trauma to come forward and seek justice.