PHILLIP HENRY FROM DEAL CAUGHT IN SHOCKING SCHOOLGIRL SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN DOVER AND FOLKESTONE

In a disturbing series of incidents that have sent shockwaves through the communities of Deal, Dover, and Folkestone, Phillip Henry, a 30-year-old man from Deal, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of sexual assaults targeting underage schoolgirls. The crimes took place earlier this year, with Henry repeatedly lurking near school premises and preying on young victims in broad daylight.

Henry’s criminal behavior came to light after two separate incidents involving teenage girls, both of whom were dressed in their school uniforms at the time. The first victim, a 15-year-old girl from Dover, was walking along Frith Road on February 24, 2017, after leaving her school. As she was using her mobile phone and walking with a friend, she noticed a man approaching. When he passed her, she felt a hand on her thigh, feeling under her skirt. Shocked and frightened, she immediately told her friend about the incident. Initially hesitant to report the matter, she later confided in her parents, who then alerted the school authorities. The police were contacted on February 28, 2017, and an investigation was launched.

Just a few weeks later, on March 10, 2017, Henry struck again, this time targeting a 14-year-old girl from Folkestone. She had left her school on Sandgate Road and was in Debenhams shopping with friends when Henry approached her. According to the prosecution, Henry placed his hand on her leg underneath her skirt, an act described as 'identical' to the earlier assault. The girl was visibly shocked and immediately told her friends about what had happened. Later that night, she received a message from another girl who reported that she had experienced the same inappropriate contact from Henry.

Following these incidents, Kent Police issued a public appeal on March 17, seeking information about Henry’s whereabouts. The suspect responded by turning himself in at a police station the very next day. Both victims positively identified Henry as the man responsible for their assaults. The case drew significant media attention, highlighting the disturbing pattern of Henry’s predatory behavior towards young schoolgirls in the area.

Henry’s criminal record includes a prior caution for possession of indecent images of children, which added weight to concerns about his potential risk to the community. His sentencing was initially scheduled for October 12, but it was postponed to allow for a comprehensive assessment by probation officers. During the sentencing hearing at Margate Magistrates Court on November 16, the court heard from Christine Lovell of the Probation Service, who emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation given Henry’s previous caution and denial of the recent offenses.

Ultimately, Henry was sentenced to 40 weeks in custody, with 20 weeks to be served in prison and the remaining 20 weeks on license. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in compensation to each of the two victims and will be subject to notification requirements for a period of 10 years. The chairman of the bench, Fiona Jones, highlighted Henry’s prior caution for possessing indecent images of children as a significant factor in the sentencing decision, underscoring the ongoing concern about his potential threat to minors in the community.

These incidents have raised alarm among residents and authorities alike, emphasizing the need for vigilance and protective measures around school zones in Deal, Dover, and Folkestone. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with a history of such offenses and the importance of swift police action to prevent further harm to vulnerable young girls.