TREVOR CARTER FROM ASHFORD SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES IN KENT AND SUSSEX

On March 22, 2012, a disturbing case concluded with the sentencing of Trevor Carter, a long-distance lorry driver from Ashford, who received a prison term totaling 24 years for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against young girls. The sentencing took place at Hove Crown Court after Carter was convicted following an extensive eight-day trial that uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior spanning several years.

Trevor Carter, aged 55 and residing on Church Lane in Shadoxhurst, was found guilty of 21 separate offences. These crimes were committed across the counties of Kent and Sussex, with the earliest offenses dating back to 2002 and 2003. The court also imposed a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Carter, which prohibits him from any future contact with children under the age of 16. Additionally, the order restricts police access to any computers he may have, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from prison.

The offences in Kent involved three young girls, with Carter being convicted of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault on a girl aged between 10 and 12. He was also found guilty of seven indecent assaults and one count of indecency with a girl aged between nine and 11, as well as an indecent assault on a third girl who was just nine years old. All victims in these cases were residents of Ashford. The crimes were reported to authorities in 2010, after one of the victims, now an adult, came forward to disclose her abuse. This revelation prompted Kent police to investigate further, leading to the uncovering of additional offences.

In Sussex, Carter was convicted of three indecent assaults, one assault by penetration, two counts of causing and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and an offence committed with intent to commit a sexual offence. These crimes involved a girl aged between nine and ten and took place in Crawley between 2005 and 2006. The Sussex police had Carter on their wanted list for these offences, which were also linked to the investigation in Kent.

The case also revealed that Carter had a prior conviction from 1983, under the alias Trevor Cripps, for similar indecent assaults on a seven-year-old girl in Surrey. This history of offending underscored a pattern of predatory behavior spanning decades.

Detective Constable Dani Flude of Sussex Police emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation, stating, “This was a good example of co-operation between police forces. As soon as the Kent allegations came to light, we were informed, and we worked together, along with the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure that the full extent of Carter’s appalling offending was presented in court.” She highlighted how Carter systematically groomed his victims by ingratiating himself with their families and positioning himself in trusted roles, which allowed him to carry out his crimes in privacy.

Detective Constable Maria Cutter of Kent Police also played a key role in the investigation. Both officers expressed their satisfaction that justice had been served for the victims, who endured the trauma of giving evidence in court. They paid tribute to the courage of these young victims, acknowledging the emotional toll involved in the process.

In conclusion, the sentencing sends a clear message that authorities take allegations of sexual abuse very seriously, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred. Police forces remain committed to supporting victims and ensuring that offenders like Trevor Carter are held accountable for their actions, thereby reinforcing the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable children.