HOWARD LAVERS FROM DOVER SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE AND TORTURE CASE

In August 2018, a disturbing case involving the heinous crimes committed by Howard Lavers from Dover reached its conclusion in Canterbury Crown Court. The 55-year-old man was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after he pleaded guilty to a series of severe sexual offenses, including 11 counts of rape and acts of extreme cruelty inflicted upon a young girl nearly two decades earlier.

Details emerged that Lavers subjected his young victim to a series of degrading and humiliating acts, which included tying her to a stool during the abuse. The court was informed that these acts were part of a pattern of perverted behavior that caused lasting trauma to the girl. Prosecutor Kieran Brand described how Lavers twisted Barbie dolls and Action Men figures into sexual positions, which he then reenacted in his acts of abuse, illustrating the disturbing nature of his misconduct.

Law enforcement officials arrested Lavers at his residence on Mount Road, Dover, two years prior to the court proceedings. During the investigation, police uncovered a disturbing collection of digital material, including 138 child sex images, some of which were classified at the most severe level of depravity. Experts also revealed that Lavers had been actively searching online for sickening images involving animals and children, indicating a pattern of deviant interests.

The victim, who was present in court and sat just feet away from her attacker, bravely recounted the devastating impact of the abuse on her life. She described how the trauma continues to haunt her, with flashbacks that persist to this day. Her testimony underscored the profound and lasting damage caused by Lavers’ actions.

Judge Rupert Lowe addressed the court and condemned Lavers’ conduct, stating, “These offences involve the most appalling criminal activity which have had untold consequences on your victim. This was torture and you didn’t care that she was hurting. There is no other word other than torture of a child.” The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, highlighting the cruelty and lack of remorse displayed by Lavers.

During the proceedings, the victim confronted her attacker, who claimed ignorance about his motives. However, Judge Lowe dismissed this explanation, asserting, “I can tell you you did it for your own perverted sexual pleasure and I see no sign of any remorse.” To prevent any future harm, the court also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, forbidding Lavers from residing in any household where a child under 16 was present.

As Lavers was led away to begin his sentence, the judge commended the victim for her bravery in attending court and sharing her painful story, acknowledging her courage in the face of such horrific abuse.