GARY TEAGUE RAMSGATE CHILD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED IN CANTERBURY

In December 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Gary Teague, a 58-year-old man from Ramsgate, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sex offenses against children. The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court, where Judge Heather Norton expressed her deep concern over the handling of earlier allegations and the failure to properly investigate a child's report from 2012.

Judge Norton described the case as 'deeply disturbing' and sentenced Teague to 22 and a half years behind bars for a series of sexual assaults committed against five young children. This conviction followed a previous imprisonment of 27 months awarded last year for filming girls for his sexual gratification, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior.

During the trial, the jury found Teague guilty of 13 charges related to child sex offenses, including attacks on children as young as three years old. The court heard that one of the victims had come forward in 2012, reporting that she had been sexually assaulted. However, Judge Norton highlighted her concern that this allegation was not thoroughly investigated at the time, raising questions about the justice process.

Judge Norton emphasized that although there was no evidence to suggest other victims were also abused as a result of the initial report, the fact remained that children had been at risk for several years. She expressed her disappointment and called for an explanation from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding why only two of the allegations, which were already under investigation, were prosecuted separately, potentially influencing jury decisions and the overall pursuit of justice. The judge demanded a detailed response by the end of January.

Despite being regarded by acquaintances as a 'kind, devoted family man,' Teague was found to have stored vile footage on his personal computer. The jury convicted him on two counts of voyeurism after rejecting his account of events. Additionally, he was convicted of inciting a child to perform a sexual act, resulting in a 27-month prison sentence for that offense.

When one of his victims threatened to disclose his secrets, Teague reportedly dismissed her fears, claiming she would not be believed because she was just a child. Judge Norton addressed Teague directly, stating, 'Your victims were vulnerable. There was a considerable degree of planning in this case.' She also noted that many people who knew Teague described him as kind and hardworking, which made the allegations even more shocking and difficult for them to believe.

Following the trial, new allegations emerged involving children as young as three, which Teague continued to deny. The court handed down an immediate sentence of 22 and a half years, with an additional four years on license. He was also subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to prevent contact with his victims.

Judge Norton praised the victims for their resilience and integrity, addressing one of them directly in the courtroom. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the devastating impact of child abuse, especially when early reports are not properly acted upon.