PHILLIP PITCHER FROM MAIDSTONE SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Maidstone, Kent, Phillip Pitcher, the son of a former senior police officer, was sentenced to four years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The conviction followed a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where Pitcher was found guilty of multiple charges related to sexual misconduct.

Specifically, Pitcher was convicted on four counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault, one count of indecency with a child, and inciting a child to engage in a sexual activity. Despite his vehement denial of all allegations, the jury reached a guilty verdict in November of the previous year. During the trial, Pitcher, who was 36 years old at the time, also contested a second charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity but was ultimately acquitted of this particular offence following the judge’s instructions.

Judge Philip Statman, presiding over the case, handed down the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the offences and the need to protect vulnerable children from such offenders. He stated that Pitcher had shown no remorse or insight into his actions, which he described as deeply troubling. The judge expressed his primary concern for the safety of children and underscored the importance of safeguarding measures.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Statman ordered Pitcher to serve a total of four years in custody. He also mandated that Pitcher sign the sex offenders’ register for life and imposed an indefinite ban on working with children. The judge expressed hope that while in prison, Pitcher would participate in a Sex Offenders’ Treatment Programme, which could aid in his rehabilitation.

During the hearing, Pitcher’s defense lawyer, Peter Alcock, maintained that his client was innocent and was fighting to clear his name. Alcock highlighted the personal toll the case had taken on Pitcher, noting that he had lost his job as a security guard and his flat, which came with the position. Alcock described the court process as “hellish and devastating” for Pitcher, who was determined to prove his innocence.

Among those present in court was Pitcher’s father, a former senior officer in Maidstone and Medway, who sat among relatives during the proceedings. The case has garnered significant attention in Maidstone, raising concerns about the safety of children and the reputation of local law enforcement figures associated with the case.