RICHARD AND PAULINE WINFIELD FROM CANTERBURY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ASHFORD

In a case that has spanned decades and finally culminated in justice, an elderly couple from Canterbury, Richard and Pauline Winfield, have been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offences committed against children in the Ashford area. The crimes, which took place more than 35 years ago, have only recently come to light, leading to their conviction and subsequent imprisonment.

Richard Winfield, aged 90, was found guilty on Thursday, 22 December 2022, at Maidstone Crown Court, of multiple counts of indecency with a child and indecent assault. The court heard that his offences involved two separate victims, with the first victim being less than 10 years old at the time of the abuse, which occurred in the late 1970s. The second victim, who was in their teens during the early 1980s, was also subjected to similar offences, with Pauline Winfield, aged 82, participating in the abuse against this individual.

The court proceedings revealed that both offenders were residents of White Horse Lane in Canterbury. Their arrest was made in 2018 after the victims, who had come forward with their accounts, contacted the police. The investigation gained momentum when officers managed to locate witnesses who corroborated parts of the victims’ testimonies, leading to the formal charges being brought against the couple in April 2020.

Following a trial, both Richard and Pauline Winfield were convicted of their respective charges. On Friday, January 6, the pair appeared before the court to be sentenced. Richard Winfield received a prison term of ten years, reflecting the gravity of his offences, while Pauline Winfield was sentenced to five years behind bars. The sentences underscore the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes of this nature, especially those committed against vulnerable children many years ago.

The case has garnered significant attention in the local community, highlighting the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of historical abuse. The Winfields’ convictions serve as a reminder that age does not diminish accountability, and that justice can be pursued regardless of the passage of time.