THOMAS EGENTON FROM MOTSPUR PARK JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN KINGSTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Motspur Park, Thomas Egenton, a 62-year-old former Red Cross worker, has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a young child. The incident, which took place in January of the previous year, has brought to light disturbing details about Egenton’s actions and the subsequent legal proceedings that followed.

Thomas Egenton, who resides on Marina Avenue in Motspur Park, was found guilty after a trial held in January. The court heard that during the month of January 2012, Egenton engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a young girl while she was in her bed. The family only became aware of the abuse several months later when the child confided in her parents about the incident, revealing the distressing details of her experience.

Following the conviction, Egenton appeared before Kingston Crown Court on a Friday, where he was sentenced to 16 months in prison for one count of sexual activity with a child. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Susan Tapping, expressed her concerns about the impact such abuse can have on a young victim. She stated, “I can only hope that eventually she will have these effects fade in her memory and she can return to her life as normal. That is impossible to predict.”

During the trial, Egenton’s defense attorney, Jeffrey Yearwood, sought to portray his client in a more sympathetic light. He emphasized Egenton’s previous good character, noting that he had worked as an electrician for many years before health issues led him into semi-retirement in 2009. Yearwood also highlighted Egenton’s background as a trained first aider, with experience working for organizations such as St John Ambulance and the Red Cross. Notably, Egenton had played a role in rescuing individuals from the King’s Cross tube station fire in 1989.

Furthermore, Yearwood pointed out that a DVD interview of the young girl, which was shown to the jury, did not suggest she had been significantly affected by the abuse. He expressed hope that the girl might eventually put this traumatic episode behind her, stating, “There is every opportunity that this will, in fact, hopefully, be put behind her.”

However, the court was not swayed by these arguments. Judge Tapping criticized Egenton for his lack of insight into the gravity of his actions and the profound effect they could have on a child of such a tender age. She remarked, “You have no insight whatsoever into the serious nature you have been convicted of or the effect it will have on a child of this very young age.”

As part of his sentence, Egenton was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. Additionally, he was prohibited from residing in the same household as a female under the age of 16 for ten years and was barred from having unsupervised contact with any female under 16 without parental consent for the same duration. These measures aim to protect potential future victims and prevent any further harm from Egenton’s actions.