DAVID FEAVER SENTENCED IN RAMSGATE FOR REPEATED CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a landmark case that has spanned over three decades, David Feaver, a 54-year-old man from Belmont Road in Ramsgate, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The victims, who came forward after many years of silence, revealed that they had endured a series of traumatic assaults during the 1980s, a period when they were children.

Despite their initial attempts to report the abuse, the victims faced significant pressure to withdraw their allegations. Their claims were dismissed at the time, and Feaver was allowed to continue his predatory behavior. It was only after a thorough investigation and a jury trial at Canterbury Crown Court that justice was finally served.

The court heard that Feaver was found guilty of multiple charges, including the rape of a girl under the age of 13, as well as five counts of indecency with a child and indecent assault. The judge presiding over the case, Heather Norton, emphasized that the victims had courageously spoken out about their experiences in the mid-1980s. She pointed out that Feaver was initially arrested and charged based on their testimonies, but the case was subsequently dropped after the victims retracted their statements.

Judge Norton explained that the retraction was likely influenced by external pressure, noting that another individual was later charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by coercing the girls to change their stories. Although that person was acquitted after denying the allegations, the judge made it clear that the victims, both very young at the time, had been subjected to undue influence.

She stated, “No blame can be attached to these victims,” and firmly placed responsibility on Feaver. The court also revealed that Feaver had a history of similar offenses, having been convicted in 2011 on sex-related charges that resulted in an 11-year prison sentence. Additionally, in 2015, he was convicted of sexually assaulting another woman.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Norton described Feaver’s behavior as manipulative and predatory, highlighting concerning deficits in his thinking skills and a lack of remorse or insight into his crimes. She expressed her belief that he posed a significant risk to the public and labeled him a dangerous offender.

As a result, Feaver was sentenced to an extended term of 22 years in prison. The judge also ordered that he serve an additional four years on license if and when he is released, underscoring the severity of his repeated offenses and the ongoing threat he poses to society.