Dartford abuser jailed for abusing a child in 2004

A Dartford abuser has been jailed for 15 months for sexual activity with a child in Dartford.

Dartford abuser, Ronnie Shephard forcibly kissed, intimately touched, and pressed himself against the teenage girl on regular occasions between 2004 and 2006, often when she was isolated from friends and family.

The court heard how Shephard also exposed himself to the victim when he was driving her home from a gig.

His actions became so persistent that the young girl ultimately saw his behaviour as normal.

Arrest

The 66-year-old, of The Ridge West in St Leonards on Sea in East Sussex, was arrested when she reported his offences in 2016.

He was jailed after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a child at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 13 April 2018.

He was also added to the sex offenders register for seven years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Fleur Hardie said: ‘Shephard held a position of trust and used it to take advantage of and sexually abuse a young girl.

‘I’d like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting his offences and ensuring that he answers for his crimes.

‘No matter how long ago the crime occurred, whether it was yesterday or decades previously, if you have been a victim of sexual abuse please get in touch, you will have our full support.’