TONY DURHAM OF FOLKESTONE SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE RAPE OFFENSES IN TOWN CENTRE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOP
| Red Rose Database
Folkestone Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Folkestone, Tony Durham, a 53-year-old man, has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes took place within the confines of his own business premises, a photography shop located on Guildhall Street, which he operated under the name Kodak Express.
Durham’s criminal actions came to light following a detailed investigation and a subsequent trial held earlier this year at Canterbury Crown Court. The jury, after carefully considering the evidence presented, unanimously convicted Durham of engaging in sexual activity, assault by penetration, and both oral and anal rape of a girl under the age of 13. Additionally, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting another child who was under 11 years old.
The court heard that Durham had groomed his young victim over a period of time, gradually gaining her trust before subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults. The abuse was particularly disturbing because it occurred in a seemingly ordinary setting—his town centre shop—where he exploited his position of trust. One of the most troubling aspects of the case was Durham’s method of luring the girl into the basement of his shop, where he carried out some of the attacks.
Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson described how Durham’s manipulation extended beyond physical assault. During the assaults, Durham would make disturbing comments, telling the girl she was enjoying herself. When she expressed disagreement or discomfort, he would mock her, saying, “yeah, you do,” further demonstrating his callous attitude and lack of remorse.
The trial revealed that Durham’s abuse was not limited to a single incident but was part of a sustained pattern of predatory behavior. The first attack reportedly occurred on a Remembrance Sunday, a detail that underscores the calculated nature of his offending. The court also heard that Durham had sexually assaulted the same girl at another address, indicating a continued pattern of abuse.
Judge Simon James, presiding over the case, addressed the court and the victims directly. He emphasized that Durham posed a significant ongoing risk to children and had shown no remorse for his actions. The judge described Durham’s conduct as “remorseless,” highlighting the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victims. The judge noted that Durham’s continued denial of guilt and lack of insight made it impossible to believe he would change.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge James stated, “Considering the prolonged and serious nature of your offending and the obvious, significant continuing impact on your victims, I feel compelled to the conclusion you pose a significant risk of causing serious harm.” He further explained that despite Durham’s lack of previous convictions, the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed warranted an extended sentence to protect the public.
As a result, Durham was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, with 17 years to be served behind bars and an additional three years on licence. The victims, who had shown remarkable bravery throughout the proceedings, watched from the public gallery as Durham was led away to begin his sentence. Throughout the hearing, Durham was observed shaking his head and avoiding eye contact with his victims, displaying a lack of remorse or acknowledgment of the harm he caused.
Durham’s criminal actions came to light following a detailed investigation and a subsequent trial held earlier this year at Canterbury Crown Court. The jury, after carefully considering the evidence presented, unanimously convicted Durham of engaging in sexual activity, assault by penetration, and both oral and anal rape of a girl under the age of 13. Additionally, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting another child who was under 11 years old.
The court heard that Durham had groomed his young victim over a period of time, gradually gaining her trust before subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults. The abuse was particularly disturbing because it occurred in a seemingly ordinary setting—his town centre shop—where he exploited his position of trust. One of the most troubling aspects of the case was Durham’s method of luring the girl into the basement of his shop, where he carried out some of the attacks.
Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson described how Durham’s manipulation extended beyond physical assault. During the assaults, Durham would make disturbing comments, telling the girl she was enjoying herself. When she expressed disagreement or discomfort, he would mock her, saying, “yeah, you do,” further demonstrating his callous attitude and lack of remorse.
The trial revealed that Durham’s abuse was not limited to a single incident but was part of a sustained pattern of predatory behavior. The first attack reportedly occurred on a Remembrance Sunday, a detail that underscores the calculated nature of his offending. The court also heard that Durham had sexually assaulted the same girl at another address, indicating a continued pattern of abuse.
Judge Simon James, presiding over the case, addressed the court and the victims directly. He emphasized that Durham posed a significant ongoing risk to children and had shown no remorse for his actions. The judge described Durham’s conduct as “remorseless,” highlighting the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victims. The judge noted that Durham’s continued denial of guilt and lack of insight made it impossible to believe he would change.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge James stated, “Considering the prolonged and serious nature of your offending and the obvious, significant continuing impact on your victims, I feel compelled to the conclusion you pose a significant risk of causing serious harm.” He further explained that despite Durham’s lack of previous convictions, the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed warranted an extended sentence to protect the public.
As a result, Durham was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, with 17 years to be served behind bars and an additional three years on licence. The victims, who had shown remarkable bravery throughout the proceedings, watched from the public gallery as Durham was led away to begin his sentence. Throughout the hearing, Durham was observed shaking his head and avoiding eye contact with his victims, displaying a lack of remorse or acknowledgment of the harm he caused.