CLIVE CRITTENDEN FROM TONBRIDGE JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN MAIDSTONE

In April 2013, a man named Clive Crittenden, residing in Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, was sentenced to serve eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of two teenage girls. The court also imposed an extended license period of four additional years, reflecting the serious concern that Crittenden poses a continued threat to the public.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Crittenden, aged 55, faced a series of allegations including one charge of rape, one of indecent assault, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of sexual activity with a child. Although he denied the charges of rape, indecent assault, and one count of sexual activity with a child, he ultimately was acquitted of those specific allegations last month. However, he was convicted on the remaining charges, including a guilty plea to one count of sexual activity with a child.

The court heard that Crittenden had sent highly inappropriate and suggestive text messages to the victims. One of the girls’ mothers discovered some of these messages and promptly contacted law enforcement authorities. The messages revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior, with Crittenden making explicit propositions to the girls. For example, he texted one girl, “Why don’t we make love?” dismissing such messages as “just banter,” according to court records.

One of the victims disclosed that Crittenden had abused her, expressing her discomfort and telling him she did not like what he was doing. Despite her protests, he ignored her objections. The other girl recounted two separate incidents of abuse. In one, Crittenden allegedly pulled down her trousers and molested her inside his Mitsubishi Shogun vehicle. She claimed that he had seduced her and that he engaged in sexual intercourse with her against her will in the car. When she expressed her discomfort, he reportedly told her not to be boring. Crittenden denied the rape allegation, claiming that the girl had seduced him.

Prosecutor Nicola Merrick described the details of the incidents as “shocking and uncomfortable to listen to,” emphasizing the disturbing nature of Crittenden’s actions. The judge, Mr. Recorder Malcolm Fortune, described Crittenden’s behavior as “astonishing” and highlighted the sinister side revealed through the text messages. He noted that Crittenden lacked insight into how his actions would be perceived by others, viewing them as predatory and manipulative.

Judge Fortune expressed concern about the risk Crittenden posed to others, stating, “There is a significant risk you will commit further offences and cause serious harm.” He described Crittenden as both “predatory and dangerous.” The court also heard that one of the victims recognized her abuser’s need for help and had sought counseling, which the judge acknowledged as a sign of her awareness of the trauma she endured.

As part of his sentence, Crittenden’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The case underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on the victims involved.