MAIDSTONE CHILD SEX OFFENDER ROBERT OLIVER RELEASED EARLY FROM PRISON, SPARKS OUTRAGE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY

In a deeply concerning development, Robert Oliver, a notorious child sex offender with a long and violent history, has been released back onto the streets of Maidstone after serving less than a year of his three-year sentence. His early release has ignited fears among local residents and families, especially given his previous associations with violent gangs and his history of preying on vulnerable children.

Oliver, aged 59, was once a prominent member of a feared paedophile gang known as the 'Dirty Dozen,' which has been linked to the deaths of up to nine young boys. His criminal record is marked by heinous crimes, including his involvement in the brutal killing of 14-year-old Jason Swift in 1985. During that tragic incident, Oliver and his gang subjected Jason to a horrific 15-minute gang rape, orchestrated by Sidney Cooke, before torturing and murdering him. Jason's body was later found buried in a shallow grave, a grim reminder of the violence inflicted by these predators.

Oliver was initially sentenced to 15 years for his role in Jason Swift’s murder but was released after serving only eight years in 1997. Following his release, he adopted aliases such as Karl Curtis and Francis Lee, and went into hiding, often disguising himself and changing his name to evade detection. Despite these efforts, residents in various cities including London, Swindon, Manchester, and Milton Keynes drove him out of their communities after discovering his true identity.

His presence in Maidstone has now become a source of alarm. His bail hostel is located merely 500 yards from a primary school, raising serious concerns about the safety of children in the area. Witnesses and community members have expressed their fears, with one local resident stating, “What are the chances of him attacking a child in this town? I’ve got a young daughter, and my wife is scared stiff that he might harm her.”

Last year, Oliver was caught reoffending when a father in Maidstone became suspicious of his neighbour’s behavior. After searching online, the father uncovered Oliver’s criminal history and contacted the police. On June 7, 2013, Kent Police arrested him for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that had been imposed three years earlier. Oliver pleaded guilty to two breaches of the order and was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.

Despite his incarceration, Oliver was released early, after serving less than 12 months of his sentence. Authorities have indicated that this was due to the standard release procedure, which considers the time served on remand and half of the sentence. His reappearance in the community has caused widespread concern, especially among families who had unwittingly befriended him and allowed their children to visit his residence.

In one incident, a father named Michael Hayward became suspicious after noticing Oliver’s odd behavior. Upon searching online, he discovered Oliver’s criminal background and alerted other parents. This led to police intervention, and Oliver was arrested for breaching his court-imposed restrictions. He admitted to the breaches and was remanded in custody, with a court hearing scheduled for sentencing.

Community outrage has been palpable. Residents have protested outside Oliver’s current residence, a bungalow in Maidstone, waving banners and chanting for his removal. The local primary school and nursery nearby have expressed their concern, with some parents choosing to keep their children away from the area altogether. Police and probation officials have assured the public that Oliver is under strict supervision, but the fact that he is free and active in the community remains a source of anxiety for many.

Legal authorities and child protection advocates continue to emphasize that sex offenders on license are subject to strict conditions and can be recalled to prison if they breach these rules. However, critics argue that the system’s ability to protect children from known predators like Oliver remains inadequate, especially given his history of early releases and the apparent leniency in his supervision.

As the community grapples with the reality of Oliver’s presence, questions persist about the effectiveness of the justice system in safeguarding vulnerable children from individuals with such a violent past. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of high-risk offenders in the UK.