ERNEST BLACKWELL FROM ELTHAM AND NORTHFLEET SENTENCED FOR CHILD ASSAULTS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Eltham and Northfleet, Ernest Roy Blackwell, a 61-year-old resident of Pier Road, was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in July. The incident took place in a playground at Avery Hill Park, where Blackwell approached the young girl and her friends while they were playing. According to court reports, Blackwell, who was employed as a waiter at the time, engaged the children in conversation before escalating his inappropriate behavior.

Witnesses and police investigations revealed that Blackwell began to hug the children and rub their necks in a manner that was clearly unwarranted and concerning. The court heard that during the encounter, he touched one girl on her breast and even offered to pay them five pounds if they agreed to return the following day. These actions prompted the children to return home and disclose the incident to their parents, who then contacted the police.

Following the report, officers from Greenwich Police arrested Blackwell at his residence. During the trial, Blackwell denied the allegations, claiming that his actions were merely acts of friendliness and not intended to harm. Despite his denial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of the assault.

On December 6, Blackwell was sentenced to a two-year prison term. The court also imposed a three-year period of supervised release following his release from prison, during which he will be subject to strict monitoring. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, in accordance with legal requirements for individuals with prior convictions.

The presiding judge emphasized the danger posed by Blackwell, who was already a convicted sex offender, stating that imprisonment was necessary to remove a threat to society’s young children. The judge remarked that Blackwell’s actions demonstrated a clear menace to the safety and well-being of children in the community.

Sergeant Rod Chapman of North Kent Police highlighted the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage sex offenders after their release. He explained that offenders are required to register with police within 14 days of release. A specialized panel, comprising social services workers and police officers, assesses the risk level of each offender. High-risk individuals are subjected to frequent home visits and checks to ensure compliance and safety, while even low-risk offenders are regularly monitored. Sergeant Chapman reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining a vigilant overview of sex offenders to protect vulnerable members of society from potential harm.