PETER KIRK FROM DORKING AND SOUTH HOLMWOOD JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Dorking and South Holmwood, Peter Kirk, a 78-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Guildford Crown Court. The lengthy sentence follows Kirk's conviction on multiple counts related to heinous acts committed against two young girls, spanning over two decades.

According to court records, Kirk was first accused of indecently assaulting a girl in Sutton during the 1980s, when she was between 10 and 12 years old. The details of this abuse only surfaced after a chance conversation between the victim and her mother about the dangers children face online. During this discussion, the girl disclosed that Kirk had assaulted her, which prompted her mother to recall her own past experiences with Kirk’s misconduct, experiences she had previously suppressed.

Nearly 25 years after the initial abuse, Kirk’s predatory behavior continued when he sexually assaulted and raped the daughter of his first victim on multiple occasions. At the time, the girl was between six and eight years old. Kirk used manipulative tactics to silence her, telling her that the assaults were “their little secret,” a phrase often used by predators to maintain control over their victims.

It was during the first day of his trial that Kirk was caught attempting to flee the country. He was apprehended at Gatwick Airport, where he was trying to board a flight to Scotland without a passport. Authorities believe his plan was to escape justice by leaving the country. Since his arrest, Kirk has been held in custody, having been remanded after initially being released on conditional bail.

Throughout the proceedings, Kirk showed no visible emotion as the court sentenced him. Recorder David Brock emphasized the gravity of Kirk’s actions, stating, “You exploited and abused a trusting relationship.” He further added, “Your behaviour towards (the first victim) has left her emotionally scarred for life, and your actions towards the other may also leave her scarred for life.”

Prior to his conviction, Kirk had served as a police constable in various locations including Sutton, Cheam, Epsom, and Banstead from 1958 to 1984. His work involved clubs and vice-related duties, which now cast a dark shadow over his career. His crimes only came to light after the victims’ revelations, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning decades. The court found Kirk guilty of six counts of rape and nine other child sex charges last month, following a comprehensive trial.

Today’s sentencing marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in the community.