DEAN MOUNTAIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN RAMSGATE AND THETFORD

In a case that has shocked the communities of Ramsgate and Thetford, Dean Mountain, aged 53, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of three young girls. The abuse spanned over a period of 15 years, beginning in 1989 and continuing until 2004, during which Mountain targeted victims all under the age of 13. His actions were driven by a disturbing desire to satisfy his own 'deviant sexual appetite,' according to the court.

Mountain, who currently resides on Wallwood Road in Ramsgate, Kent, but originally hails from Thetford, appeared at Norwich Crown Court to face sentencing after a trial at King's Lynn Crown Court earlier this year. He was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. The court heard that his crimes were committed during his 30s, a period marked by a 'very, very serious campaign of child sex abuse,' as described by the judge.

Judge Andrew Shaw sentenced Mountain to an extended term of 22 years in prison, comprising 14 years of custody followed by eight years on licence. The judge emphasized the severity of Mountain’s offenses, stating that he had abused children whenever and wherever he could, solely to satisfy his own depraved desires.

Prior to the sentencing, Philip Farr, prosecuting, read out emotional statements from two of Mountain’s victims. The judge noted that these victims had suffered profound psychological harm as a result of the abuse. One victim described how Mountain 'stole my childhood' and felt that he had 'taken a part of me that I will never get back.'

Another victim, who endured the abuse over three decades ago, revealed that she continues to suffer from the trauma. She described being 'afraid of the dark,' feeling 'terrified,' and experiencing recurring nightmares that cause her to wake up crying. She also disclosed that she suffers from panic attacks and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with feelings of despair and a desire to withdraw from the world, stating, 'I don’t want to be around anymore.'

Judge Shaw highlighted the devastating impact of Mountain’s actions on his victims, underscoring the lasting psychological scars inflicted by his crimes. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offenses and the need to protect the community from individuals who pose such a threat. Mountain’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.