A 63-year-old man, Ian Hamilton, has been sentenced to 42 years in prison for a series of terrifying sexual assaults and rapes committed across Dover and Canterbury.
The case came to light after Kent Police’s Cold Case Investigation Team reopened a 1988 file concerning an attack in Hersden. This investigation led to the discovery of a related 1992 report of child abuse in Dover dating back to the mid-1980s. Further inquiries revealed that Hamilton had preyed on victims over several decades.
Detectives identified nine women who suffered sexual abuse between 1977 and 2000, as well as a man who was seriously assaulted in 1991.
Hamilton was arrested at his home in Snodland in March 2024. During the arrest, police found over 1,500 indecent images on his computer. He faced 59 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and grievous bodily harm.
At Inner London Crown Court, the jury convicted Hamilton on all counts. He admitted to possession of indecent images early in the trial.
Sentencing took place on Friday 13 December 2024, where Judge Silas Reid described Hamilton as a “monster of the night” whose crimes have devastated the lives of his victims.
“What you have done with many women in this case has shaped their whole outlook on life. They live with the horrors you have put them through. All the victims have shown immense bravery to overcome the damage you have caused them,” said the judge. “Hopefully after today all of your victims can put you in their past.”
Detective Inspector Lee Neiles praised the courage of the victims and the determination of the Cold Case team. “Ian Hamilton raped and indecently assaulted girls and women throughout his life. So terrifying was he that many victims couldn’t report him at the time.”
“Without their courage and the team’s tenacity, this lifetime of abuse might never have been fully exposed. I urge anyone who has suffered sexual violence, no matter how long ago, to come forward and report it to the police.”
Kent Police continue to combat violence against women and girls. For more information on their work tackling domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, and other crimes, visit the Kent Police website.
Originally published by UKNIP.
