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Kent couple found guilty over string of child sex offences
A couple have been jailed for a total of more than 50 years for a series of sexual offences against girls. Paul and Pamela Higginson, from Deal, were arrested by after one of their victims came forward in 2016.
Following a police investigation, Paul Higginson, 72, was charged with counts of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency relating to offences against girls in the 1980s, 1990s and 2010s. The charges relate to assaults on four girls.
He was also charged with possessing indecent images. Pamela Higginson, 73, was charged with aiding and abetting rape and causing suffering to a child in the 1980s.
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The pair were convicted following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court and, on Thursday, June 15, Paul Higginson was jailed for 29 years. Pamela Higginson received a 22-year sentence.
Both will have to serve two thirds of their sentences before they are eligible for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Smith said: “The offences carried out by this couple were horrific and will have a long-lasting impact on their victims. I hope the careful investigation carried out by my officers, and the long sentences now handed down, give the victims some sense that justice has been done.
“I would like to pay tribute to their bravery and urge anyone who has suffered abuse or sexual violence to report it to police so we can keep you safe and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Go here for further information, advice and support relating to Violence Against Women and Girls. This page also includes details on how Kent Police is tackling offences including domestic abuse, stalking, harassment and other forms of violence.
If you have been a victim of violence and wish to report an offence, go here
Support from therapy dog Luna
Luna, a seven-year-old Siberian husky, carried out a crucial role in this investigation by supporting one of the victims through her ordeal of giving evidence in court.
Luna’s owner, Angelina, has been volunteering her dog’s therapy services at Kent Police since November 2022 and Luna is one of 12 dogs who are called on to provide vulnerable people with the support they need across the county. This was the first time that Luna had supported anyone inside a court.
Angelina said: “Luna is such a wonderful dog who is loving and kind. I’m so happy to share that love with those who need it the most. She spent time with the victim during her visit to the court as part of a six-week trial.
“She was there when she put her hand out for a cuddle, when things were getting tough, and in exchange enjoyed a biscuit or two. Her presence helped keep the victim calm and Luna was a welcome distraction before and after giving such painful evidence.”
PC Martyn Tulk, who oversees volunteers within the Special Constabulary, added: “Volunteers are invaluable to Kent Police and we very much appreciate the role that they play within the force. Members of the Community Policing Canine Team all give up their free time to enable positive exchanges with the public.
“This allows people to benefit from all the positive effects therapy dogs can have both mentally and physically. Therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety while providing a sense of connection in difficult situations.”
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