ERSTERN PENNINGTON FROM MARGATE SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the community of Margate, 83-year-old Ernest John Pennington has been sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving minors. The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court on a recent Tuesday, following Pennington’s decision to plead guilty to several charges.

Pennington, who formerly resided on High Street in Margate, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13. In addition, he faced two counts of assault involving digital penetration of a child under 13. The court’s judgment mandated that he serve an initial prison sentence of eight years for these offenses.

Furthermore, the court imposed an additional four-year period of supervision on license, which Pennington will be required to serve after his release from prison. To prevent any future harm, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also issued, restricting him for five years from the date of his release.

The investigation into Pennington’s crimes was initiated by Kent Police after a young girl, one of his victims, came forward to report that she had been assaulted in 2015 while visiting a friend’s house in Margate. Her account prompted further inquiries, which led to the identification of additional victims.

During the course of the investigation, another woman came forward, revealing that Pennington had assaulted her on multiple occasions. She also disclosed that Pennington had threatened her, warning that if she attempted to tell anyone about the abuse, he would go to prison, and her friends would learn about her ordeal. This intimidation tactic was part of the pattern of abuse that Pennington carried out over a period of time.

The case highlights the disturbing reality of how predators can manipulate and exploit trust within communities, especially targeting vulnerable children. The community of Margate, where Pennington’s crimes took place, has been left shaken by the revelations, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior to prevent such tragedies in the future.