STEVEN CRITCHER SHOCKS CANTERBURY AND KENT WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT PRIDE FESTIVAL

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Canterbury and the wider Kent region, Steven Critcher, a 40-year-old decorator from Saint Gregorys in Canterbury, was involved in an unsettling encounter with a young girl during a prominent LGBTQ+ pride event held in Dane John Gardens, Canterbury.

According to court proceedings, the incident took place on June 8 and was brought to light during a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court. Prosecutor Rio Pahlavanpour detailed the sequence of events, emphasizing the gravity of Critcher’s actions. He explained that Critcher, who was attending the pride festival, engaged in a brief dance with a 13-year-old girl, whom he did not know prior to the event.

During this interaction, Critcher’s behavior took a disturbing turn. Witnesses observed him holding the girl’s face and forcibly kissing her on the lips. This act of assault was witnessed by a friend of the girl, who was present at the scene and reported the incident to authorities. The court heard that Critcher’s conduct was inappropriate and unwarranted, especially considering the age of the victim.

Following the incident, Critcher was located later in the city centre of Canterbury and was promptly arrested by police. During the investigation, authorities confirmed that Critcher was not explicitly informed of the girl’s age at any point, which raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the assault and the defendant’s awareness of the victim’s age.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Critcher was not sentenced to jail. The court’s decision to avoid imprisonment has sparked debate and concern among community members and advocates for youth protection. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding at public events, especially those that attract diverse age groups and vulnerable individuals. The incident remains a stark reminder of the need for strict oversight and responsible behavior at community gatherings in Canterbury and across Kent.