BARRY WATTS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN CHATHAM: HORRIFIC CRIMES AGAINST A 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chatham, Barry Watts, a 61-year-old man, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The offences, which took place over a period of time, involved multiple acts of sexual abuse, including rape, indecency, and sexual activity with a minor.

Watts, a resident of Chestnut Avenue in Chatham, was found guilty of two counts of rape, five counts of indecency with a child, and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that the abuse began when the girl was approximately 10 years old, leaving her with deep emotional scars and a sense of betrayal that will likely haunt her for the rest of her life.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, it was revealed that Watts had also taken indecent photographs of his young victim, further compounding the severity of his crimes. The court was told that Watts had kept the girl silent through manipulation and threats, telling her that if she revealed what was happening, she would be taken away from her mother. This tactic was used to instill fear and silence her, making her feel helpless and isolated.

The presiding judge, Philip Statman, addressed Watts directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, “There lies the root of her fear. That which you have done to her she will carry with her for the rest of her life, and it is clear that your interests are subservient to her protection and the interests of the community as a whole.”

Judge Statman detailed the extent of the abuse, noting that Watts had raped the girl, forced her to perform sexual acts, and photographed her during the assaults. He pointed out that the abuse spanned a significant period, although there was no additional physical violence beyond what was necessary to carry out the acts.

In mitigation, Watts’s defense attorney, Kerim Fuad, highlighted his client’s health issues, including angina and chronic heart disease, and requested a “merciful and measured” sentence. Fuad also mentioned that Watts’s wife was unable to attend court due to the distress caused by the case and expressed some relief that Watts was finally being sentenced. He argued that Watts posed no future risk to the community.

However, Judge Statman emphasized that the case demanded a substantial sentence to serve as a deterrent to others. He acknowledged that Watts’s guilty pleas had spared the victim from having to testify in court and noted that Watts had shown remorse by attempting to take his own life.

Despite this, the judge was clear that Watts’s actions had destroyed his family. He pointed out that Watts’s wife had stood by him, yet he was now being sent to prison at a time when he should be enjoying his retirement and family life. As part of his sentence, Watts will be registered as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from having contact with children under 16 unless supervised by an adult.

This case has left a lasting impact on the community of Chatham, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.