Dover sex offender who showed no remorse sentenced to 18 years in prison

A Dover man who pleaded guilty to multiple sex offences against a child has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Howard David Lavers, of Mount Road, Dover, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on 28 August where he was also told he will serve two additional years on licence. Investigations by Kent Police found that between 1994 and 1997 Lavers, 55, subjected a young girl to multiple sexual assaults in the Folkestone area. He was also found to have indecent images of children on his computer. His offending came to light after his victim reported him to the police in 2016. Investigating officer DC Rebecca Thomas said: ‘Lavers’ depravity was only matched by his lack of remorse for the way he treated his victim over the course of several years. ‘The court has recognised his level of offending and given him a substantial prison sentence where he can reflect on his actions. ‘This conviction has come about because of the brave actions of the girl he targeted, who showed great courage in coming forward and reporting his abuse.