ROY HUMPHREYS GILLINGHAM PENSIONER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
In August 2012, a disturbing case unfolded at Maidstone Crown Court involving Roy Humphreys, a 69-year-old pensioner from Broadway, Gillingham, who was convicted of repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl.The court heard harrowing details of how Humphreys manipulated and corrupted his young victim, telling her that their inappropriate acts were part of a 'special secret' that she was not to reveal to anyone.
Humphreys' actions left a lasting impact on the girl, who was so affected that she believed the abuse was her fault.
The court was told that Humphreys, who previously worked as a steward at Gillingham FC during match days, engaged in a series of sexual offenses against the child, causing her significant emotional and psychological harm.
During the trial, Humphreys maintained his innocence, denying all allegations.
Despite his denial, the jury convicted him on three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual assault, with a majority verdict of 10-2.
He was acquitted of three other charges related to similar offenses.
Judge Philip Statman addressed the court, commending the bravery of the young victim who provided detailed and distressing testimony.
She described how Humphreys would climb on top of her, kiss her, and touch her private parts, actions that profoundly affected her life.
The judge emphasized that the abuse had a lasting and damaging effect, stating, 'Nothing will ever be the same again.' In his remarks, Judge Statman criticized Humphreys for showing no remorse, highlighting the vulnerability of the young girl who was unaware of the illegality of his actions at the time.
The judge also referenced the 'special secret' that Humphreys had convinced her to keep, which she eventually confided in others.
Prosecutor Nina Ellin described how the grooming process led to the victim's sexualized behavior, and she conveyed the child's own feelings of guilt, stating, 'She said she should have stopped him,' and 'She said everything was her fault, adding:
