TREVER SCOTT FROM GILLINGHAM AND CHATHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chatham and Gillingham, Trevor Scott, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the abuse of four young girls. The heinous acts took place at a Kent riding stables, where Scott, aged 47, targeted vulnerable children during their visits to Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham.

Scott’s criminal activities first came to light after an incident involving a mother of three of his victims. The mother, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was so outraged and distressed by Scott’s actions that she took matters into her own hands. In August of the previous year, she visited Scott’s residence on Windmill Street in Gillingham and attacked him with a carving knife, stabbing him multiple times. Scott sustained several knife wounds to his face, arms, and abdomen and was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.

Prior to this violent confrontation, three of Scott’s victims, aged between four and nine, had confided in their mother about the inappropriate touching they endured at the hands of Scott during their horse-riding sessions. The girls described how Scott would touch them intimately, both over and under their clothing, while at the stables. Despite these disclosures, the police were not immediately involved. It was only after a year, when the girls revealed further details and the mother’s violent response, that law enforcement became engaged in the case.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Jonathan Higgs explained that the police investigation uncovered additional victims. It was revealed that Scott had also sexually assaulted two other girls, aged eight and eleven, whom he had befriended through his work at a Citroen garage in Medway and a car dealership in Chatham. Scott had ingratiated himself with their families, gaining their trust and being allowed to take the children out alone. He even told the older girl that he often visited fetes where majorette troops performed and that he could help her join such groups.

The older girl recounted that Scott would pin her down on the sofa, pull down her underwear, cover her mouth, and commit sexual acts on her. She described these assaults as occurring weekly over a span of two years, with Scott taking advantage of every opportunity. The younger girl was also subjected to regular molestation, often while sitting on Scott’s lap. Scott admitted to eight counts of indecent assault committed between February 2002 and April 2004, as well as one count of indecency with a child between June and September 2003.

Initially, Scott pleaded not guilty to five of the charges and was scheduled for trial in March of the following year. However, during the proceedings, he decided to change his pleas, acknowledging his guilt. His defense attorney, Simon Clarke, explained that Scott understands the societal need to protect children from his actions and accepts responsibility.

Scott’s criminal history is extensive. He was first convicted of a sex offense in 1989 and served six years in prison after being convicted again in 1992 for a serious sexual assault. On that occasion, he targeted a 12-year-old girl after befriending a family with children. His low intelligence, lack of social skills, and inability to control his impulses were highlighted during sentencing. Clarke described Scott as a “relatively simple individual” who has not learned appropriate behavior, emphasizing his unsophisticated and inadequate nature.

Judge Andrew Patience QC sentenced Scott to six years in prison for each of the offences, to be served concurrently. Additionally, he imposed an extended license period of three years, banned Scott from working with children, and ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Scott was also subject to a sexual offences prevention order, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the community’s need for protection from him.