JONATHAN RICHARDS SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN GILLINGHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Gillingham, Jonathan Richards, a man with a registered visual impairment, was handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses committed against two young children. The assaults took place at a property in Gillingham over a decade ago, specifically in 2003, and the repercussions of his actions have left deep scars on his victims.

Richards, aged 36 and residing on Britton Street in Gillingham, faced a series of grave charges including rape, gross indecency with a child, sexual assault on a child, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Despite his claims of innocence, he was found guilty of each of these offenses following a trial held at Maidstone Crown Court in January 2019. The sentencing hearing took place on Monday, 29 April 2019, where the court imposed a severe penalty for his crimes.

During the proceedings, Richards, who requires a special stick to assist with mobility, was escorted from the dock by a security officer to begin serving his sentence. Judge Julian Smith presided over the case and made it clear that Richards would be required to serve two-thirds of an immediate 18-year prison term before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, upon release, he will be subject to a further four years on licence, ensuring continued supervision.

Both victims, who demonstrated remarkable bravery by giving evidence during the trial, were visibly emotional and embraced each other after the sentencing. The victims, now young adults, had been children at the time of the assaults, which occurred during three separate incidents more than ten years ago. One of the victims, a woman, provided a poignant victim impact statement, describing how Richards' actions had robbed her of her childhood. She recounted fleeing from his vile clutches and the lasting trauma she endured.

Prosecutor Patricia May highlighted the profound impact on the male child, revealing that he was so traumatized by the rape that he initially chose to remain silent, even contemplating suicide. It was only many years later that he saw Richards boarding a bus, which prompted him to finally disclose the details of his ordeal. The victim, who read his impact statement aloud in court, explained how he turned to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. He also shared that prior to the assaults, he was a normal child who enjoyed playing outside with friends. However, after the incident, he experienced severe emotional distress, including freezing when touched by a teacher, nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty forming relationships.

Judge Julian Smith condemned Richards for his manipulative and arrogant behavior, emphasizing that he preyed on vulnerable children and humiliated his victims. The judge noted the absence of remorse from Richards and expressed concern about the ongoing risk he poses to very young children in the future. The court was also informed that, after the sentencing, a member of Richards' family made a disturbing remark in the courtroom, saying, “Don’t worry John..I know where they (the victims) live.” This led to police intervention, and the judge issued a warning that making threats in court constitutes contempt of court, which can result in imprisonment. Richards subsequently apologized, and the judge cautioned him to avoid further trouble, underscoring the seriousness of his actions and the court's stance on such behavior.