SITTINGBOURNE MAN MALCOLM COLES SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE

In October 2017, Malcolm Coles, a man from Sittingbourne, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The case drew significant attention due to the victim’s courageous decision to come forward and speak out about her traumatic experiences from childhood.

According to court reports, the woman, who was subjected to repeated sexual abuse by Coles over a period of years, shared her harrowing victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing at Maidstone Crown Court. Her statement detailed the profound and lasting effects that the abuse had on her life, emphasizing her struggles with mental health issues, low self-esteem, and the inability to form intimate relationships. She described her childhood as a series of nightmares, haunted by memories of the abuse, which included a particularly disturbing incident where Coles, who was intoxicated at the time, raped her and subsequently became sick.

Malcolm Coles, aged 68 at the time, had moved from Sittingbourne to Wales after the offenses. He faced charges that included one count of rape, four counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges, three indecent assault charges, and one count of indecency with a child. Despite the mixed verdicts, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of the most serious offenses.

The victim expressed her motivation for coming forward, stating that her primary reason was to break the cycle of shame that she had carried for most of her life. She hoped that by speaking out, she could help others who had suffered similar abuse and contribute to reducing the stigma associated with such crimes. Her words reflected her strength and determination to turn her painful experience into a force for good.

Judge Martin Joy, presiding over the case, praised the victim’s bravery, describing her attitude as a testament to her character and courage. He highlighted the devastating impact of Coles’s actions, noting that the offences had left the victim unable to have children and plagued by psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, panic attacks, night terrors, and hallucinations. The judge emphasized that her suffering was a stark reminder of the severity of such crimes.

Addressing Coles directly, Judge Joy condemned his conduct, calling it a disgraceful pattern of misconduct that spanned a lengthy period. He criticized Coles’s defense, which attempted to dismiss the victim’s allegations, calling her a liar. The judge stated that Coles’s actions and the false defense reflected poorly on his character and that he should be deeply ashamed. He also noted that Coles now faces serious health problems, both physical and mental, and that his name will be permanently listed on the sex offenders’ register.

In conclusion, the court’s decision underscored the gravity of the crimes committed by Malcolm Coles in Sittingbourne, and the sentence served as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse.