SEASALTER'S BARRY BETHELL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL IN KENT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Seasalter and the wider Kent area, Barry Bethell, a well-known radio DJ and former television personality, has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident took place at Bethell's residence in Whitstable, Kent, where he assaulted a girl under the age of 13 between the years 2004 and 2008. The victim, whose identity remains protected, had sought Bethell's help in pursuing a career in showbusiness, a promise that was ultimately betrayed through his criminal actions.

Bethell, aged 66 at the time of sentencing, gained fame during the 1990s as the face of SlimFast and was also a familiar voice on Invicta Radio, BBC Radio Kent, and KMFM. His reputation was severely tarnished after the court proceedings revealed the extent of his misconduct. The trial at Canterbury Crown Court resulted in a guilty verdict on charges of sexual assault and the possession of indecent images of a child. Notably, Bethell was acquitted of assaulting another girl, but the charges related to the primary victim led to a significant conviction.

Prior to the sentencing, Bethell had already admitted to eight separate offences, which included seven counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of downloading such images from the internet. These admissions painted a disturbing picture of his activities over a period of time, culminating in the recent conviction.

Judge Adele Williams, presiding over the case, sentenced Bethell to a total of four years in prison for the 12 offences he was found guilty of. In her remarks, she emphasized the predatory nature of his actions, stating, “You did this, in my judgment, for your own sexual purposes.” She also highlighted the profound impact of his assault on the young girl, remarking, “You do not begin to recognize the damage you have caused to this young life.”

As part of his punishment, Bethell was issued a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, restricting his future conduct. The judge also recommended that Bethell serve at least half of his sentence, taking into account the 483 days he has already spent in custody, which leaves him with approximately eight months remaining behind bars.

During the hearing, mitigation was presented by Annabel Darlow, who described Bethell as a once-happy family man and a supportive father. She noted that his radio work and charity activities had previously brought happiness to many. However, she acknowledged that the events leading to his arrest had profoundly affected him, illustrating how he had fallen from a position of respect and trust.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Mark Butler of Kent Police commented on Bethell’s conduct, stating, “Barry Bethell has denied the offences and has refused to assist police throughout the case. The children involved showed great courage by telling an adult and also going through the experience of giving evidence to police and to the court.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of influence.