ERIC KERRY FROM SITTINGBOURNE SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE AND INDECENT ASSAULTS

In a case that has spanned over three decades, 73-year-old Eric Kerry of Glebe Lane, Sittingbourne, has been sentenced to three and a quarter years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against children and vulnerable individuals. The court heard that Kerry’s predatory behavior went undetected for more than 30 years, during which he targeted young victims with little to no suspicion from those around him.

During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, the presiding judge addressed Kerry directly, stating, “You targeted children and you got away with it for most of your life.” The gravity of his actions was underscored by the fact that his abuse extended into recent years, including a sexual assault on a woman in 2013. Recorder David Jeremy QC emphasized that this recent incident demonstrated the “arrogance and flagrance” with which Kerry was willing to treat those who were vulnerable to him.

Kerry faced multiple charges, including five counts of sexual assault, four counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child. In November, he was convicted of three charges: one of indecency with a child, one of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault. However, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on one charge of indecent assault and two of sexual assault, and no further evidence was presented for those counts. Additionally, Kerry was acquitted of other allegations, including a claim that he molested a one-year-old baby ten years prior.

At the hearing, Kerry maintained his innocence despite the convictions. It was noted that he has a learning disability affecting his ability to communicate and concentrate, and he was assisted by a speech therapist while in the dock. Prosecutor Hugh Forgan highlighted that the abuse caused significant distress to the victims at the time, but the incidents were never reported to authorities.

The convictions involved disturbing acts, including coercing a young girl into performing a sex act on him and molesting another girl at a swimming pool. The most recent offense involved Kerry touching the thighs and stomach of a vulnerable woman. When he was arrested in May of the previous year, Kerry denied any inappropriate behavior and chose not to give evidence during his trial.

It was also revealed that Kerry had previously received a conditional discharge in 2005 for indecent exposure. His defense attorney, Danny Moore, argued that Kerry’s health issues, including epilepsy, and his role as the primary carer for his disabled wife, made him particularly vulnerable to bullying and difficult circumstances in prison. Moore emphasized that any custodial sentence would be extremely challenging for Kerry due to his health and disabilities.

Judge Jeremy addressed Kerry directly, remarking, “It is sad to see a man of your age standing in the dock facing sentence.” As part of his sentence, Kerry’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, and a sexual offences prevention order was issued against him, both to remain in effect indefinitely. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the public from further harm.