STEVEN PARTRIDGE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN FOLKESTONE AND WESTCLIFF REVEALED

Steven Partridge, a 24-year-old man from Folkestone, has been found guilty of attempting to sexually assault a nine-year-old girl, leading to a severe prison sentence of eight years, with an additional three years on license following his release. The conviction has shed light on a troubling pattern of criminal behavior and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of police procedures in monitoring known offenders.

It has emerged that at the time of the offence in November 2014, Partridge was already on police bail for a separate, disturbing case involving the alleged rape of a vulnerable teenager in Folkestone, Kent. This prior investigation was ongoing when he committed the recent offence, highlighting a significant lapse in the system's ability to prevent further crimes by individuals under scrutiny.

Adding to the complexity of his criminal history, Partridge had previously been sentenced in March of the previous year for abducting and attempting to rape a child in Westcliff. Despite admitting to the Westcliff offence, he denied any involvement in the Folkestone incident involving the teenager. However, after a jury trial, the court found him guilty of the Folkestone assault, confirming his dangerous propensity for sexual violence.

The court proceedings detailed a disturbing incident where Partridge was seen drinking with a 19-year-old woman on a park bench. The situation escalated when the woman refused to undress, and Partridge subsequently assaulted her. Before leaving the scene, he apologized to her, an act that did little to mitigate the severity of his actions. This incident underscores his pattern of predatory behavior and lack of remorse.

Partridge's criminal record is extensive and deeply troubling. It includes a conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl in 2007, and at the age of 15, he was involved in sexual acts with a ten-year-old girl. These past offences reveal a long-standing pattern of sexual misconduct from a young age.

In 2014, Kent Police arrested Partridge on suspicion of sexual assault on a woman. He was released on bail while investigations continued, but this did not prevent him from committing further offences. Ultimately, he was charged and convicted of the rape related to the Folkestone incident, which resulted in a six-year prison sentence. The case has prompted criticism from public protection officials, including Martin Terry, a counselor specializing in safeguarding. Terry expressed concern over how Partridge was able to commit another sexual offence while still under police investigation, questioning the coordination and communication between different police forces involved in monitoring such offenders.

Following his conviction, Judge Simon Wilkinson sentenced Partridge to an additional six years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and his extensive criminal history. The judge condemned his behavior and highlighted the failure of the system to prevent such crimes, raising broader concerns about the effectiveness of current preventative measures and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and social services in managing dangerous sexual predators and protecting the community.