JOHN LUKER FROM TUNBRIDGE WELLS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MAIDSTONE

In January 2014, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded involving a 73-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells, who was subsequently sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The individual in question, John Luker, residing on South View Road in Tunbridge Wells, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court to face multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of a four-year-old girl.

During the court proceedings, Luker pleaded guilty to several grave offenses, including oral rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one charge of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court was informed that these offenses had taken place in the vicinity of Maidstone, a nearby town, where the abuse was reported and investigated.

Prosecutor Ed Fowler detailed to the court that Luker had warned the young girl not to disclose what had happened to anyone, indicating an attempt to conceal his actions and maintain control over the victim. Despite having no prior criminal record, Luker’s admission of guilt came after his arrest in the summer of the previous year, which facilitated the prosecution’s case.

Defense attorney Crispian Cartwright acknowledged the gravity of Luker’s actions, stating that the defendant had come to realize the enormity of what he had done. He emphasized that Luker’s decision to admit guilt was instrumental in the legal process, noting, “If he had not made these admissions, the case would have been difficult to launch at all.”

Judge Philip Statman, presiding over the case, delivered a stern and clear sentence, condemning Luker’s conduct. The judge stated, “You knew from start to finish what you were doing. I am satisfied you were grooming her. You had told her not to tell anybody what had gone on. You knew you were the adult. You knew she was the child.” The judge further emphasized that the young girl had behaved with remarkable bravery throughout the ordeal, and her actions in coming forward were commendable.

In his remarks, Judge Statman pointed out that the offenses appeared to be driven solely by Luker’s own sexual gratification. He expressed the view that the public would be “outraged” upon learning of the case and praised the girl for her courage in revealing the abuse. Addressing the girl’s parents directly in court, the judge said, “Your daughter has behaved with the greatest bravery to bring it to your attention and then to bring it to the attention of the courts.”

As part of his sentence, Luker was sentenced to over eight years in prison—specifically, eight years and eight months—and was also subjected to a ten-year sexual offences prevention order. Additionally, his name will be entered on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct in the future.