KEVIN PONTIN CONVICTED OF RAPE IN WORCESTER AFTER 16 YEARS

In a case that has spanned over a decade and a half, Kevin Pontin, a 36-year-old man from Worcester, has been found guilty of the serious crime of rape involving a 14-year-old girl. The conviction was handed down at Worcester Crown Court following a detailed three-day trial that examined the events dating back to 1996.

According to prosecutor Sally Hancox, the incident took place in Hereford, where Pontin was residing at the time. The young girl, who was only 14 years old, had been drinking strong cider with a friend during that summer. Their casual outing took a dark turn when they encountered Pontin, who then invited them back to his lodgings in Belmont Avenue. The girl and her friend accepted the invitation, unaware of the danger that awaited them.

Once inside, the situation escalated. The friend, feeling tired, went to lie down on a bed, leaving the girl alone with Pontin. He claimed there was more alcohol in the kitchen, but instead of that, he took her to the bathroom and committed the assault. During this ordeal, he threatened her with violence, warning her that he would hit her if she screamed, which left her with little choice but to comply. After the assault, Pontin released her, and she quickly left the lodgings with her friend.

Following their escape, the girl and her friend returned to her mother’s house. She initially told her family that she had been grabbed by a man in the street, a story that was later clarified. It was only six months later that she confided in her uncle about the rape, and subsequently, she disclosed the details to her mother. The girl later made a formal rape allegation in 2010, and during an identity procedure, she was able to identify Pontin as her attacker.

At the time of the incident, Pontin was living in Hereford, having moved from Worcester to work on a farm. He maintained his innocence, claiming he did not know the girl and had not engaged in any sexual activity while residing in Hereford. His defense argued that the delay in reporting the assault was due to the girl’s concern about her drinking, which she feared might get her into trouble.

Police first questioned Pontin about the allegations in February of the previous year. During the trial, Recorder Denis Desmond warned him that he faced a potentially lengthy prison sentence. However, he was granted bail, as his partner was about to give birth in three weeks’ time. Conditions of his bail included a strict curfew from 7 pm to 7 am and regular doorstep checks to ensure compliance.

Despite concerns from the court that Pontin might choose not to attend the sentencing hearing, his defense explained that his only means of transportation was a bicycle, limiting his ability to evade the proceedings. The sentencing date has been scheduled for later this month, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for his actions.