DONALD VEALE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHATHAM AND HAWKINGE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the local communities of Chatham and Hawkinge, Donald Veale, aged 82, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving children. The crimes, which took place over three decades ago, were committed at Buckmore Park campsite near Chatham, a facility managed by the Kent County Council and the Scout Association, where Veale held a significant position of authority.

One of the victims, Steven Blackmore, courageously faced the court and looked directly into Veale’s eyes as he delivered a powerful statement. He, who has chosen to waive his right to anonymity, expressed his relief that Veale would no longer pose a threat. Blackmore recounted how the abuse inflicted by Veale, whom he referred to as “Uncle Don,” had devastated his life. He described struggling with alcoholism, fractured relationships, and even contemplating suicide as a result of the trauma.

During the emotional court proceedings, Blackmore, a builder by profession, read from a prepared statement, stating, “The sexual abuse from Uncle Don has completely blighted my life. I have struggled to cope with day-to-day life since my teenage years.” He turned away from the witness box and looked at Veale multiple times, emphasizing the profound impact of the abuse. His testimony was punctuated by tears, and he expressed hope that with the case now concluded, he could finally begin to move forward, knowing that Veale would be incarcerated and unable to harm anyone else.

Two other victims also came forward, sharing how their lives had been irreparably damaged by Veale’s predatory actions. These accounts detailed the extent of the psychological and emotional scars left behind by the man who once managed the campsite and a care home in Romney Marsh, both of which have since closed. Veale, who resides on a farm in Gibraltar Lane, Hawkinge, denied all allegations of sexual misconduct involving three young individuals.

Prosecutor John O’Higgins outlined the case, emphasizing that these were allegations of historic sexual abuse committed by Veale while he was in a trusted position. He explained that Veale was the director of children’s activities at Buckmore Park, a site that offered various recreational activities such as roller skating, go-carting, swimming, and archery. The prosecutor also revealed that Veale, a qualified masseur, had offered “chocolate as a treat” after some of the incidents, a detail that underscored the manipulative nature of his conduct.

O’Higgins further disclosed that two victims had previously reported concerns about Veale’s behavior, including a complaint made to social services regarding an incident on Veale’s boat in Folkestone Harbour. However, no charges had been filed at that time. The court heard that Veale had also been accused of swimming naked in the pool and making inappropriate comments to children in the changing rooms, though he denied these allegations.

Judge Adele Williams, presiding over the case, addressed Veale directly, highlighting the severe distress and psychological harm caused by his actions. She described him as an “intelligent but manipulative” man who had shown no remorse or insight into his misconduct. When the victims’ impact statements were read aloud, Veale sat shaking his head, visibly affected by the testimonies. His legal representative, Oliver Saxby QC, acknowledged that Veale remained in denial about his guilt.

As the judge announced the 20-year sentence, the victims embraced each other, visibly relieved that justice had been served. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, and the lengthy imprisonment aims to reflect the gravity of Veale’s crimes and protect potential future victims from his predatory behavior.