PETER CORDINGLEY FROM ST LEONARDS JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN MAIDSTONE AREA

In a case that has shocked the local community, 68-year-old Peter Cordingley, a pensioner from St Leonards, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences committed over a span of several years. The court heard that Cordingley’s criminal activities included the sexual abuse of young children in the Maidstone area, with some of the offences occurring when he was aged 66.

On a Friday at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Charles Macdonald QC delivered a stern judgment, describing Cordingley’s actions as “wicked” and emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The court sentenced him to 12 years in prison under a public protection order, which mandates that he serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. However, he will remain under supervision for an additional two years after his release, on license.

Cordingley was convicted in November on two counts of indecent assault and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The victims in these cases included two girls and a boy. The jury, however, was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on charges involving four other girls, which included eight counts of indecent assault and seven counts of indecency with a child. Prosecutor Kathryn Hirst explained that the prosecution chose not to pursue further evidence on these charges because the alleged victims did not wish to relive the traumatic experience by giving evidence again, leading to the entry of not guilty verdicts on those counts.

The court was informed that some of the offences, including the last one, were committed in the Maidstone area. The final offence involved a young girl and was committed when Cordingley was 66 years old. During sentencing, Judge Macdonald condemned the acts as “wicked” and highlighted the danger Cordingley posed to the community.

Defense counsel Simon Taylor argued that a determinate sentence would be appropriate and suggested that a sexual offences prevention order could help manage any potential risk of reoffending. He also pointed out that Cordingley, who has no prior convictions and has not previously served time in custody, would find a lengthy sentence particularly difficult to cope with, especially given his age.

However, the judge dismissed these arguments, stating that Cordingley, who continues to deny the allegations, presents a significant risk of causing serious harm. “He is remorseless and lacks insight,” the judge remarked. “An extended sentence will better reflect the criminality involved and serve to protect the public.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Samantha Bungay, who led the investigation, expressed her condemnation of Cordingley’s actions. She described him as “a depraved individual who showed little or no regard for the impact his actions had on his victims.” She also paid tribute to the children involved, praising their courage in coming forward and speaking about what happened to them, despite the trauma involved.