GAVIN DURLING JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE

In a case that has shocked the community of Maidstone, Gavin Durling, a 29-year-old man with a history as an amateur comedian, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against a young boy. The crimes, which spanned several years during the victim's childhood, have brought to light disturbing details of abuse that began when the boy was just five years old, with the abuse continuing until he was in his early twenties.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Durling, formerly residing in Queen Elizabeth Square, Maidstone, vehemently denied all allegations, which included four counts of rape, ten counts of indecency with a child, and five counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the defendant's trial was delayed due to claims of amnesia, with Durling asserting that he had suffered from memory loss. Judge Michael Carroll addressed this defense, stating, "I can only assume by the complete deafening silence of any evidence from them this was a complete fabrication on your part. It just shows on any view the overwhelming nature of the case against you."

Despite Durling's assertions, a jury composed of eight women and four men found him guilty on all 19 charges by a majority of 10-2. Following the verdict, the prosecution chose not to present further evidence concerning charges related to the making and possession of child sex abuse images, indicating a focus on the criminal acts directly involving the victim.

The court was told that the abuse began when the victim was only five years old, with Durling as young as 11 at the time. Prosecutor Michael Riley described a disturbing pattern of behavior, explaining that Durling would play a card game with the young boy, where each card drawn would correspond to a sexual act. "Every card that was picked meant a sex act," Riley stated. "The activity would be one after another. The alarm would go and it would be time for another card. It would always end with a sex act."

The victim was told that these acts were their secret, with Durling warning him that if anyone else found out, it would spoil everything. Riley emphasized the grooming aspect of the abuse, saying, "If it was an adult, we would call it grooming. That is really what it is." The prosecutor outlined that the sexual acts fell into four categories, including rape, and that the incidents were numerous, with many instances of each type of abuse.

The now young man, who has spoken publicly about his ordeal, recounted how he first confided in friends about what had happened. When asked about his feelings now, he expressed a mixture of disgust and relief, saying, "It makes me feel sick and disgusted but back then it made me feel close to him." Durling has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court's verdict and subsequent sentencing mark a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse in Maidstone.