Andrew Wilkes, aged 59, from Margate, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for indecently assaulting a girl during the 1980s. The offender exploited the victim’s low self-esteem throughout the abuse.
Wilkes was found guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 19 February 2020 of two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. He received his sentence the following day.
The offences took place in the early 1980s in Ramsgate, where Wilkes was residing at the time. The victim was under 16 years old when the assaults occurred.
Kent Police launched their investigation in 2016 after the victim came forward to report the crimes.
Detective Constable Lee Goodey, Kent Police’s lead investigator, commented, “Wilkes’ offending has had a long-term impact on the victim which continues to this day. I want to praise her bravery during the investigation and trial. I hope Wilkes being brought to justice offers her some comfort.”
He added, “Kent Police will always fully investigate sexual abuse reports, whether recent or historic. I urge anyone affected to come forward.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
