KENNETH GUICHARD SHOCKS CHERTSEY AND EGHAM WITH DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE REVELATION

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chertsey and Egham, Kenneth Guichard, a long-standing member of the Jubilee Church in Chertsey, has been convicted of a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the early 1980s. The court proceedings revealed a troubling history of abuse that spanned several decades, culminating in Guichard's recent sentencing to a lengthy prison term.

Guichard, aged 68 and residing on Rowan Avenue in Egham, was sentenced to a total of ten and a half years behind bars after admitting to multiple charges related to the abuse of his victim. The case came to light after the girl, who was subjected to his misconduct in her childhood, eventually reported the abuse to the police in 2008. The court heard that Guichard had confessed to his own sons and to members of his church in 2009 that he had 'interfered' with the girl, although he did not specify the nature of his actions at that time.

Following his confession, the church took the unusual step of creating a 'contract' of behavior that Guichard was required to follow in order to remain part of the congregation. Despite his admission, Guichard initially denied the allegations during police interviews but later changed his stance, pleading guilty on the first day of his trial. His guilty plea encompassed ten charges, including one count of rape, five counts of gross indecency with a child, and four counts of indecent assault, all involving the same young girl.

The court was informed that the abuse occurred during the early 1980s, a period during which the victim was a child. Prosecutor Toyin Salako described the disturbing details of the case, stating that during police interviews, Guichard acknowledged the acts and admitted that the girl had said 'no' and did not want to participate, but he continued regardless. He reportedly told police that he had been carrying the burden of guilt for 27 years and claimed that his actions were an attempt to teach her about the facts of life, asserting that he believed he was preparing her for adult life.

Salako further explained that the abuse ceased only when the girl threatened to tell her mother. The court was also informed that Guichard's actions were motivated by a misguided attempt at 'education,' which, in reality, caused irreparable harm to his victim.

In response to the sentencing, Judge Peter Moss issued a sexual offences prevention order against Guichard. This order prohibits him from entering areas frequented by children or being around children unless their parents or guardians are aware of his criminal history. The judge emphasized the gravity of Guichard's offenses, describing them as unforgivable and highlighting the profound impact on the victim's childhood.

During the hearing, Guichard's defense attorney, Graham James, argued that his client was suffering from spinal sclerosis and that his long-standing good behavior in the community, including his involvement with the local cricket club's Colts team, should be taken into account. James also noted that any sentence served now for offenses committed in his 30s would feel disproportionately long.

Nevertheless, Judge Moss sentenced Guichard to seven years for the charge of rape, one and a half years for gross indecency with a child, and two years for indecent assault. The total sentence requires Guichard to serve at least two-thirds of his time in prison before being eligible for release on license, ensuring he remains under supervision for a significant period after his release.