DAVID JEFFERYS FROM HALLING ESCAPES JAIL AFTER MOLESTING TEENAGE GIRL IN HIS LORRY IN ROCHESTER

In December 2013, a disturbing incident unfolded in the quiet village of Halling, Rochester, involving local resident David Jefferys. The 44-year-old, who resides at Hanes Dean in Halling, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl after luring her into the back of his lorry under false pretenses.

According to court proceedings, Jefferys had invited the girl to his truck claiming he wanted to have a 'quiet cigarette.' However, once inside the vehicle, he made inappropriate sexual suggestions and proceeded to touch her breasts. The girl, whose identity remains protected, was subjected to this assault at the end of December 2011, a distressing event that left her deeply traumatized.

Jefferys, who is also known for his involvement as a committee member of a local social club, denied the charge of sexual assault. Despite his denial, a jury at Maidstone Crown Court convicted him of the offense. The court sentenced him to six months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense during that period. Additionally, Jefferys was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a sex offender rehabilitation program.

During the incident, Jefferys engaged in inappropriate physical contact by rubbing his hand along the waistband of the victim’s leggings. The situation was further complicated by the presence of concerned relatives and community members who were calling out her name, desperately trying to locate her as the assault was taking place.

Judge Philip Statman addressed the court, expressing his concern over the impact of Jefferys’ actions. He stated, “She was petrified as to what you might do to her. You made her promise not to speak as to what happened as a condition of leaving the back of the lorry.” The judge highlighted that by contesting the case, Jefferys had forced the victim to relive her ordeal in court.

The victim’s statement revealed feelings of blame and shame, with her blaming herself for putting herself in that situation. However, Judge Statman emphasized that Jefferys, as an adult and a member of the community, bore full responsibility. “What you did had profound consequences on her and members of her family,” he said. The girl’s trust in adults, especially males, has been severely damaged, affecting her ability to form relationships even with peers her own age.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge made it clear that this was a serious offense deserving of custodial punishment, reflecting the public’s expectation for justice in such cases. He also noted Jefferys’ lack of remorse and limited understanding of the harm caused.

As part of his sentence, Jefferys was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order. His name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for five years, and he is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults, aiming to prevent any future harm and protect the community from potential risks.