NEIL JARVIS SENTENCED IN CANTERBURY FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES IN KENT
Neil Jarvis, a 46-year-old man from Ramsgate, has been sentenced after committing a series of sexual assaults, including attacks on minors and adult women.The court heard that he had previously worked as a manager at William Hill.
The incidents began when Jarvis was observed stalking bus stops before approaching his victims.
Prosecutor Paul Valder explained that in July, while under the influence of alcohol, Jarvis touched a 14-year-old girl’s thigh in front of other children.
The girl, who was a school student, described her ordeal, saying, “People tell me [the assault] was one chance in a million but it did happen to me and I feel it could happen again.” Further offences included a disturbing attack on a woman during another school run.
The woman recounted that she felt someone grabbing her from behind with a strong hold around her waist.
At first, she thought it was a joke, but she then realized the grip was very tight, and she was unable to use her arms.
Mr.
Valder noted, “Jarvis restrained her for nine seconds, grabbing her breasts before she fought him off.” In addition, Jarvis targeted a four-year-old girl shortly after being released by police, prompting serious concern.
The court was informed that Kent Police had not clarified whether Jarvis was released on bail or under investigation during each offence.
Victims expressed their distress.
The 14-year-old girl said, “I feel it could happen again,” while the 40-year-old woman described the experience as “nightmare-inducing and terrifying,” which caused her to constantly look behind her.
The mother of the young girl shared that her daughter, once lively, now suffers panic attacks and fears men, making it difficult for her to get close to family and friends.
Judge Recorder Trimmer QC labeled Jarvis’s actions as dangerous and deeply troubling.
He noted, “Your behaviour is the sort that is so strange and startling that it is itself very difficult to understand and accept.” The judge also highlighted that Jarvis had previously suffered head trauma impairing his behaviour, with alcohol abuse worsening his mental health issues.
Although psychiatric assessments could not fully determine the extent of brain injury, they confirmed he now has epilepsy.
Representing Jarvis, solicitor James Harrison emphasized his client’s previous good character and admitted guilt early in the process.
He stated that Jarvis plans to abstain from alcohol, return to education, and address his mental health problems, which sometimes led him to misread social cues.
Jarvis, of Grange Road, Ramsgate, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and a sexual assault of a child under 13.
The court sentenced him to 32 months in custody and imposed a 10-year restraining order.
He will also be listed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
After sentencing, Kent Police’s investigating officer, PC Sonja Lupton, commented, “Every woman and girl has a right to feel safe in the communities in which they live, and that is why tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Kent Police.” She added, “Jarvis’s actions against these victims were abhorrent, and I hope that holding him accountable provides them with some sense of justice.
We are committed to bringing offenders like him to justice, and I encourage any victims who have not yet reported similar offences to do so through our website, by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”
