VINCENT MITCHELL OF HITCHIN AND KINGS WALDEN JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN HISTORIC CASES

In a significant case that has shocked the local communities of Hitchin and Kings Walden, Vincent Mitchell, an 82-year-old man with a long history of involvement in the dog breeding and show community, has been convicted of multiple historic sexual offences. The offences span over several decades, with allegations dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, and include serious crimes such as rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency involving minors.

Mitchell, who resided at Lodge Farm Cottages in Kings Walden, was previously known for his role as a judge at Crufts, one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. His involvement with the Scottish Terrier breed at Crufts in 2006 and his association with Kirkmore Kennels in Gosmore had previously established his reputation within the canine community. However, his past actions have now come to light, leading to a conviction that has sent shockwaves through the local area.

Last week, Vincent Mitchell was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison after being found guilty on seven counts of sexual offences. The court also ordered that he must sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses. Additionally, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed to restrict his activities and protect the community from further harm.

The convictions include an indecent assault on a female, gross indecency on a girl under 14, gross indecency on a boy under 14, and sexual assault on a female. The offences spanned from May 1976 to July 2008, illustrating a disturbing pattern of abuse over more than three decades. Detective Sergeant Sue Warren, from the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, emphasized the importance of justice in such cases, stating, “No matter how long ago an offence occurred or how old the perpetrator is now, we will always strive to bring offenders to justice. In this case, the sentence reflects the seriousness of Vincent Mitchell’s offending and the long-term impact this had on his victims.”

Representatives from the Kennel Club, which oversees Crufts, expressed their stance on the matter. Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, stated, “While we cannot comment on specific cases, we expect the highest standards of conduct and propriety from judges and all of those involved with the Kennel Club. We have disciplinary processes in place to deal with relevant criminal convictions, and these will be activated accordingly.”

Advocates for victims, such as Jon Brown from the NSPCC, highlighted the importance of reporting abuse regardless of when it occurred. He said, “It’s crucial that victims come forward and report what has happened so they can get the help they need and so the abuser can be brought to justice—whether the abuse is recent or happened many years ago. Victims must be listened to and responded to with urgency.” The NSPCC Helpline and ChildLine remain available for those seeking support, with contact details provided for immediate assistance.

In a related case from September 2014, Mitchell was also found guilty of similar offences in Hitchin, where he was charged with nine counts of sexual misconduct, including the rape of a girl aged 14 between 1976 and 1978, as well as indecent assault and acts outraging public decency during the same period. He was also convicted of gross indecency with a girl and a boy under 14, with incidents occurring between May 1982 and October 1983. The jury, however, could not reach a verdict on some counts and acquitted him of others, including a separate count of rape and indecent assault on a female. Sentencing for this case is scheduled for the week beginning October 13.

Vincent Mitchell’s case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred. His convictions serve as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact such crimes have on victims and the ongoing need for robust legal and community responses to prevent future harm.