ROY BROOKS FROM TUNBRIDGE WELLS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE COMMITTED DECADES AGO

In a case that has spanned over six decades, Roy Brooks, a resident of Tunbridge Wells, was brought to justice for heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls during the 1950s and 1960s. The 76-year-old, who has spent most of his life in the community, was arrested after the victims, only recently revealing their traumatic experiences, came forward to authorities.

Brooks was a teenager when he committed his first known offence, raping one of the girls, and was just 20 years old when he indecently assaulted the other. His actions, which took place in the mid-20th century, remained hidden for decades until the victims found the courage to speak out last year. The revelations led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court.

During the hearing, Brooks admitted to two counts of rape from the 1950s and two counts of indecent assault from the following decade. The court was told that the victims had kept their suffering secret for many years, primarily out of fear of not being believed or facing further trauma. Judge David Griffith-Jones QC described Brooks’ conduct as an exploitation of the victims’ innocence, emphasizing the profound psychological and emotional damage inflicted upon them.

The judge sentenced Brooks to four years and four months in prison, highlighting the lasting impact of his actions. He stated, “One can only imagine what sort of psychological and emotional damage your behaviour inflicted on them both. Neither felt able to reveal to anyone what you had done to them, plainly through fear — fear of not being believed. They, therefore, kept quiet and lived with what for them was a dark secret for many decades.”

The court heard that the victims’ suffering was only partially conveyed through their victim impact statements. One victim described living with ongoing shame and guilt, while the other explained how her self-esteem and confidence had been severely damaged.

Judge Griffith-Jones also acknowledged the impact on Brooks’ own family, noting that he expressed genuine remorse and feelings of guilt in a letter to the court. Despite this, the judge emphasized that a custodial sentence was necessary, stating, “But plainly, a prison sentence is demanded — nothing less will do.”

As part of his sentence, Brooks will be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has cast a long shadow over the community of Tunbridge Wells, where Brooks was once regarded as a respected member, known for his contributions and social role. The court’s decision underscores the importance of addressing historical abuse cases and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, regardless of the passage of time.