JACK USHER AND SHOCKING ASSAULT NEAR DUNES ROAD, GREATSTONE, KENT
On 13 May of this year, a serious criminal incident took place near Dunes Road in Greatstone, Kent, which would later lead to the arrest and conviction of Jack Usher.The investigation into this disturbing event was conducted by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect.
The victim, an unidentified woman, was walking along a woodland path close to Dunes Road around 5 pm when she unexpectedly encountered Jack Usher, an 18-year-old male who was not known to her prior to the incident.
Without warning, Usher ran up behind her and began to assault her physically, repeatedly striking her in the head.
The force of the blows was severe enough to knock her to the ground, leaving her vulnerable and frightened.
During the assault, Usher made a threatening statement, telling the woman that he intended to rape her.
He then attempted to drag her towards nearby bushes, indicating a clear intent to commit a sexual assault.
Despite his aggressive efforts, the victim managed to push him away and escape from the scene, fleeing to seek help and contact the police.
Following the report, law enforcement launched a comprehensive investigation.
This included an extensive review of all available CCTV footage from the surrounding area, which ultimately led to the identification of Jack Usher as the suspect.
His arrest was carried out at his residence on Marsh Crescent in New Romney on 18 May, just five days after the incident.
The following day, he was formally charged with the crimes.
In July, Usher appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, where he admitted to attempted rape.
His plea resulted in a sentence of six years and nine months in prison, handed down on Tuesday, 17 October.
The court also imposed an extended six-year license period following his release, and he was placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his actions.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Ross Gurden expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “This attack would have been terrifying for the victim, and I would like to praise her courage in supporting our investigation and prosecution.
I hope the swift arrest, charging, and subsequent imprisonment of Jack Usher reassure the local community, who must have found this incident very concerning.
Tackling violence against women and girls remains Kent Police’s top priority, and part of that effort involves tracking down and bringing to justice offenders like Jack Usher.”
