GRAVESEND PENSIONER DONALD DOWN JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN GRAVESEND HOME

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Gravesend, 76-year-old Donald Down has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving young boys. The crimes took place at his residence in Winchester Crescent, Gravesend, where he engaged in a pattern of grooming and exploiting vulnerable children.

According to evidence presented at Maidstone Crown Court, Down, who was known to the victims as 'Grandad,' used alcohol and cigarettes to manipulate the boys into visiting his home. The court heard that he 'groomed or coerced' these young victims, some of whom were as young as under 10 years old. One of the boys, in a brave act of courage, contacted the police from a call box to report the abuse, providing crucial testimony that contributed to Down’s eventual arrest.

Despite his prior conviction over 50 years ago for child sex abuse, Down was not detained immediately after the initial report. It was six days before authorities took him into custody. During this period, he and his accomplice, 20-year-old Michael Stone of Valley Drive, Gravesend, continued to molest other boys, further complicating the case. When Down was finally arrested on January 3 of this year, authorities found a handwritten list of children's names in his pocket. He claimed the list was of children he was 'having trouble with,' but later denied any involvement in abuse, asserting that the handwriting was not his and that he had not harmed any children.

Down also accused Stone of 'stitching him up,' suggesting a possible attempt to shift blame. Prior to the trial, Down had been scheduled to stand trial on July 1 but chose to plead guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The judge, Michael Carroll, described Down’s actions as a 'catalogue' of serious sexual offences against vulnerable boys who were lured to his home through the promise of alcohol and cigarettes.

Sentencing, Judge Carroll ordered that Down serve consecutive sentences totaling over eight years—specifically, two years, three years, and three-and-a-half years. Additionally, Down was mandated to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely and was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which will remain in effect for life.

Prosecutor Anthony Prosser detailed the disturbing nature of the offences, revealing that Down not only molested the boys but also made suggestive comments about what he intended to do to them. One victim recounted being given beer and rum, feeling compelled to drink because Down was 'older' than him and feeling scared. Another victim described how Down wanted to be called 'Grandad' and had shown them a pornographic film. A third boy claimed that Down performed a sex act on him while he was restrained in a 'half-nelson,' allegedly by Stone.

Historical records show that Down, who has no surviving relatives, was previously sentenced in 1957 to two years’ probation for indecent assault on a boy under 10, during his service in the Royal Air Force. His defense attorney, Christopher Sutton Mattocks, expressed concern that Down’s council home had been repossessed and that he faced an uncertain future after his release. He described the guilty plea as a 'late decision' but one that was 'realistic' and perhaps 'courageous' given Down’s age and circumstances.

Meanwhile, Stone was deemed unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. The court heard that a jury found him responsible for one count of sexual assault and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The jury also determined that Stone did not hold one of the boys while Down committed the abuse. It is expected that Stone will be subject to a hospital order when he returns to the Crown Court later this week, reflecting the seriousness of his mental health condition and the nature of his offences.