PAUL AND PAMELA HIGGINSON FROM DEAL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN KENT

In a case that has shocked the community of Deal and the wider Kent area, a man and woman have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences involving young girls. The offenders, Paul and Pamela Higginson, were taken into custody by detectives from the East Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team following a victim’s courageous decision to come forward in 2016.

After a comprehensive investigation that spanned several years, Paul Higginson, aged 72, faced multiple serious charges. These included counts of rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency, all relating to offences committed against girls during different periods, specifically in the 1980s, 1990s, and more recently in the 2010s. The allegations involved four different victims, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse over decades. In addition to these serious charges, Paul Higginson was also accused of possessing indecent images, further compounding the severity of his crimes.

His partner, Pamela Higginson, aged 73, was charged with aiding and abetting rape, as well as causing suffering to a child during the 1980s. Her involvement in the offences was deemed significant enough to warrant her own criminal charges, which she faced alongside her partner.

Both individuals stood trial at Canterbury Crown Court, where they were convicted on multiple counts related to their crimes. The court’s verdict reflected the gravity of their actions, and on Thursday, June 15, 2023, the judge handed down substantial sentences. Paul Higginson was sentenced to 29 years in prison, while Pamela Higginson received a 22-year term. Both will be required to serve at least two-thirds of their respective sentences before they are eligible for parole, ensuring they remain incarcerated for a significant period.

This case underscores the importance of victim bravery and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims and long-standing abuse. The community of Deal and the wider Kent region continues to grapple with the impact of these revelations, which serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable.