ROBERT THRIFT FROM FAVERSHAM SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN SITTINGBOURNE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Robert Thrift, a 54-year-old man residing on Belvedere Road in Faversham, was sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed in Sittingbourne. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved the rape of a woman and the sexual abuse of two young girls, revealing a disturbing pattern of manipulation and control.

Details of the case emerged during a lengthy trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where it was revealed that it was only in October 2012 that one of the victims, a girl, found the courage to come forward and report the abuse to the police. Following her disclosure, authorities also interviewed the other girl and the woman involved, leading to a detailed investigation into Thrift’s actions.

Thrift faced multiple charges, including five counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, six counts of indecency with a child, and one count of sexual activity with a child. Throughout the proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying all charges. Despite this, the jury found him guilty of one count of rape involving the woman, one count of indecent assault and indecency with a girl, and three counts of indecent assault against the other girl. However, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on some charges, including one of rape, two counts of indecency with a child, and one of indecent assault, leading the prosecution to offer no further evidence on those counts.

During the trial, Thrift was permitted to sit outside the dock, citing claustrophobia as the reason. After nearly a week and over 24 hours of deliberation, the jury returned their verdicts. The judge, Philip Statman, later ordered Thrift to be brought into the courtroom for sentencing. Prosecutor Philippa McAtasney QC highlighted disturbing evidence from Thrift’s computer, which revealed a sadistic side and a desire for domination and submission. She explained that Thrift manipulated his victims, pretending to play games to carry out his assaults, and instilled fear to ensure compliance.

In his defense, Jonathan Turner QC pointed out that Thrift maintained his innocence throughout the trial and that there was no indication of remorse. Judge Statman, in delivering his sentence, described Thrift as a controlling and manipulative individual beneath a seemingly jovial exterior. He sentenced Thrift to seven years for the rape and an additional seven years for the abuse, to be served consecutively. Furthermore, Thrift will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life and is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Shaun Creed expressed his relief and gratitude to the victims for their bravery. He emphasized the importance of justice and the community’s safety, stating, “He took advantage of two vulnerable girls and a woman, and I am grateful they felt able to come forward and report the incidents to the police. The length of sentence gives us a brief insight into the seriousness of these assaults and I hope his victims can start to rebuild their lives knowing that their abuser has been proven guilty. This case shows that it doesn’t matter how long ago a crime took place, we will take it seriously and carry out thorough investigations to ensure offenders are brought to justice. All three of Thrift’s victims showed tremendous courage throughout the trial and thanks to their bravery and the pile of evidence compiled by the detectives investigating this case, they and the community should feel reassured that Thrift is now behind bars.”