MURRAY FAIRWEATHER SENTENCED IN CANTERBURY FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AND INTERNET CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the community of Canterbury, Murray Fairweather, aged 32, has been sentenced to an indeterminate prison term following a series of disturbing criminal acts that included an assault on a teenage girl and the possession of child pornography. The court heard how Fairweather, a gardener by profession, had a disturbing pattern of online searches related to sexual violence, which culminated in a violent attack on a young girl in September of the previous year.

Fairweather was apprehended after the incident when he chased the teenage victim into Holly Lane, a well-known area in Canterbury. The girl, who was walking near New House Lane, described feeling an overwhelming sense of unease when she first noticed Fairweather staring at her. She recounted to the jury at Canterbury Crown Court that his gaze made her feel very uncomfortable, prompting her to quicken her pace. As she continued walking, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her and saw Fairweather, whose face was concealed beneath a balaclava, running rapidly toward her. Frightened, she instinctively started to run, hearing him shout commands such as "Stop" and "Shut up."

In her testimony, she explained that she was screaming for help and swinging her bag in an attempt to defend herself. The attack was so terrifying that she later attempted to throw herself off a bridge in her distress. Fortunately, a passing driver noticed her distress and stopped to assist. Meanwhile, two other witnesses, who saw the teenager in her panic, managed to locate Fairweather’s vehicle and obtained his registration number.

During the trial, it was revealed that Fairweather had previously admitted to downloading eight separate charges of child pornography. Investigations into his computer revealed searches for terms such as "rape victim stories," "rape stories," and "rape survivor stories." Additionally, just a week before the attack, he had searched for forensic details related to saliva DNA and forensic analysis, indicating premeditation and a disturbing interest in sexual violence.

Fairweather’s plea changed midway through the proceedings, and he admitted to common assault on the teenager as well as carrying out the assault with intent to commit a sexual offence. The court was also informed that he had been stopped by police after the attack, but due to a procedural error, he was allowed to drive away, prompting an internal investigation and the implementation of new procedures to prevent such mistakes in the future.

Judge James O’Mahony sentenced Fairweather to an indefinite term of imprisonment, with a minimum of 33 months before he can be considered for release. The judge emphasized that Fairweather’s dangerousness meant he would remain incarcerated until authorities determine he no longer poses a threat to the public. During the sentencing, the victim sat just a few feet from her attacker as he was led away to begin his prison sentence. Detective Inspector Nick Green commented after the hearing, stating, "She is still receiving counselling and is frightened to walk out alone, but she wanted to come to court to see him sentenced."

The court heard how the victim had been so terrified during the attack that she was willing to jump off a busy bridge onto the A2 to escape her attacker. The incident has left a lasting impact on her, and her courage in facing her attacker in court was noted by officials. The case has also prompted police to review and tighten procedures to ensure that no similar mistakes occur in future investigations involving dangerous offenders in Canterbury.