MAIDSTONE SEX OFFENDERS ROBERT GARROTT AND JANE TWORT SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AND CRUELTY

In a case that has shocked the community of Maidstone, two individuals have been brought to justice for their involvement in heinous crimes involving child abuse and exploitation. Robert Garrott, a 63-year-old man confined to a wheelchair, was sentenced to a lengthy term of 17 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sex offenses. The judge described his actions as “simply dreadful,” emphasizing the severity and breach of trust involved in his crimes.

Garrott had already been recalled to serve the remainder of an eight-year sentence for indecency, which he had previously received. His conviction stems from allegations that date back over three decades, involving three counts of rape and five counts of indecency with a child. Although he denied the charges, claiming innocence, he was found guilty in December following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. During proceedings, Garrott admitted to indecency with a girl but maintained his innocence regarding the rape charges.

The court heard disturbing details of his misconduct, including an incident where he raped a teenage girl in the back of his car in Mote Park, Maidstone. On another occasion, Garrott was teaching the same girl to drive, despite her being underage. During this lesson, she drove his vehicle into a barrier in an attempt to escape his advances, but Garrott still proceeded to rape her. It was revealed that Garrott, a former coalman, had met the girls through CB radio, a detail that added to the gravity of his predatory behavior. It was during the process of being charged that he admitted to abusing a second girl, further implicating him in these serious offenses.

In a separate but related case, Jane Twort, a 65-year-old woman from Drawbridge House in Maidstone, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of child cruelty and encouraging or causing child prostitution. Twort, a mother of five, was found to have facilitated the exploitation of young girls in the early 1980s. She arranged for young girls to be sent out for sex with older men, accepting payment in cash and other forms. The court heard that if a client was dissatisfied, Twort would even go as far as arranging for the child to be caned, highlighting the extent of her involvement in these deplorable acts.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC delivered the sentences, describing the case as “simply dreadful” and condemning the breach of trust involved. He stated that both victims had been “blighted” by the abuse, with one struggling to form relationships and suffering prolonged mental health issues. The judge made it clear that there was no mitigation for Garrott beyond his serious medical conditions, asserting that physical injuries do not prevent him from serving his sentence in custody.

Regarding Twort, the judge noted her lack of insight into her offending, as she continued to maintain her innocence and showed no remorse or contrition. Her case, he explained, did not meet the criteria for suspension of sentence under the “old law,” and he expressed regret that the legal framework limited his ability to impose a more appropriate punishment.

Both Garrott and Twort are now permanently barred from working with children, and their names will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.