STEPHEN PARTRIDGE FROM FOLKESTONE AND SOUTHEND SENTENCED FOR SERIAL SEX OFFENSES IN KENT AND ESSEX

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Stephen Partridge, a known sex offender with ties to Folkestone and Southend, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence following multiple serious offenses. The details of his criminal history reveal a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spans several years and locations.

Back in March of the previous year, Partridge, aged 24 at the time, was sentenced to eight years in prison along with an additional three years on license after he was convicted of abducting and attempting to rape a child in an alleyway located in Park Lane, Westcliff. This conviction was the culmination of a trial where a jury found him guilty of these grave offenses. The court heard that he had been living in Southend at the time of the incident.

However, what has come to light more recently is that Partridge was also on police bail for a separate, equally disturbing crime—an alleged rape of a teenage girl in Folkestone, Kent, which occurred in November 2014. Despite being under bail conditions, he took the opportunity to relocate to York Road, possibly to evade scrutiny or continue his offending behavior. During the trial, Partridge admitted to the Southend offense but vehemently denied the allegations of raping the teenager in Folkestone. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty of the Folkestone assault after a thorough trial.

Testimony presented in Canterbury Crown Court detailed that Partridge was residing in Folkestone at the time of the incident. Witnesses described how he was seen drinking vodka with a vulnerable 19-year-old woman in a local park. The court heard that he had put his arm around her as they were walking home, and when she refused his request to undress, he proceeded to rape her. Following the assault, Partridge apologized and then walked away from the scene. The judge, Simon Wilkinson, delivered the sentence on a Thursday, emphasizing the severity of the crimes.

Judge Wilkinson stated, “You were convicted of a sexual assault which preceded the grave rape offence. You committed these acts while you were under the influence of alcohol. You also have a dreadful criminal record.” The judge referenced Partridge’s previous convictions, which include a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl in 2007 and engaging in sexual activity with a ten-year-old girl when he was just 15 years old. These convictions underscore a long history of predatory sexual behavior.

In light of these offenses, the court sentenced Partridge to serve a total of 14 years in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to a six-year period of supervision on license following his release, ensuring continued monitoring of his activities to prevent further harm. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the importance of stringent legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.