PHILIP VIVASH FROM DOVER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL WITH SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE TEXTS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Dover community, Philip Vivash, aged 39, has been convicted of engaging in inappropriate and predatory behavior towards a 14-year-old girl. The incident involved a series of suggestive text messages that Vivash sent to the young girl, which ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

Vivash, who resides at Mayfield Gardens in Dover, initiated contact with the girl by sending what he described as 'flirtatious texts.' These messages contained remarks such as 'if only I was younger' and 'I am lying in bed thinking of you,' which clearly indicated an inappropriate level of interest in a minor. The girl, distressed by the nature of these messages, confided in her parents and a teacher, raising concerns about her safety and well-being.

Approximately a month after the initial messages, Vivash continued to contact her, sending further texts that included comments about his attraction to her and describing her as beautiful. The situation escalated when he sent a sexually explicit message, prompting immediate concern and action. The girl’s disclosures prompted authorities to intervene, leading to Vivash’s arrest.

He appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on a Monday, where he admitted to meeting a child following a period of sexual grooming that took place in September 2006. During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Katie Fox, detailed that Vivash had, on occasion, touched the girl’s bottom over her clothing in a manner described as a rubbing motion, further emphasizing the inappropriate nature of his conduct.

In sentencing, Judge Adele Williams imposed a three-year community order with supervision, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. As part of his rehabilitation, Vivash was ordered to attend an 80-session sex offenders’ treatment program through Thames Valley, with the requirement to complete all group programs assigned to him. Additionally, he will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for five years and will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Following his arrest, authorities seized Vivash’s computer, which contained portrait-style photographs of the victim. The girl stated she was unaware of how these images had been taken, raising further concerns about the nature of his actions. Despite initially denying sending inappropriate messages during police interviews, Vivash ultimately pleaded guilty in court.

His legal counsel, Jonathan Turner, highlighted that Vivash had already faced personal consequences, including losing his job and being forced to relocate due to issues with neighbors. He is currently unemployed. Judge Williams made it clear that Vivash’s actions were wholly unacceptable, stating, “It was not acceptable. You engaged in a wholly inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl by sending her sexually explicit text messages and engaging in an attempt at flirtation or fantasy.”

However, the judge also offered Vivash an opportunity for redemption, emphasizing the importance of the treatment program in helping him understand that such behavior is unacceptable for men of his age.

Det Insp Andy Somerville, the investigating officer, praised the court’s handling of the case, noting that the sentence was appropriate given the severity of the offense. He remarked that Vivash’s life had been significantly impacted, with job loss and restrictions on his family life, serving as a warning to others who might consider similar predatory behavior. The case underscores the ongoing efforts to protect minors from grooming and exploitation, and the importance of swift legal action in such cases.