DUNCAN FARBER FROM ASHFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Ashford, Duncan Farber, a 49-year-old shopfitter residing at Dignash Cottage, Westwell, was sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment following his conviction on multiple serious charges related to child sexual abuse and possession of indecent images.

Farber was found guilty of raping one young boy, sexually assaulting him, and engaging in sexual activity with a child. Additionally, he admitted to attempting to rape a second boy, as well as committing sexual assaults and sexual activities with another minor. His criminal record also includes five counts of making indecent photographs of a child, which he committed between January 2005 and February of the current year.

The investigation into Farber’s crimes was initiated after he visited a PC World store in December of the previous year, claiming he was unable to start his laptop. During his visit, he inquired about removing files from his hard drive. Despite the technician’s efforts, the issue could not be resolved, and Farber returned in January, leaving his computer at the store for further inspection.

When a technician examined the device, they discovered files labeled “gay pornography,” “paedo,” and “six-year-old boy,” along with obscene images of young girls. This discovery prompted immediate police involvement. Subsequently, police officers visited Farber’s residence, where he answered the door wearing a dressing gown. During the search, officers found a young boy naked in Farber’s bed, who was promptly removed from the house for his safety.

Further investigations led to the seizure of Farber’s computer and mobile phone, which contained 39 indecent photographs. The police also uncovered evidence of an “unfortunate abusive background in South Africa,” which was noted during the proceedings.

Judge Philip Statman addressed the court, expressing his concern about the significant risk Farber posed to the public. He described Farber as a “sexual predator,” noting that the defendant had behaved in a controlled manner to achieve his own sexual gratification. The judge emphasized that Farber’s understanding of his actions was unclear and that his behavior demonstrated a disturbing pattern of predatory conduct.

In sentencing, Judge Statman stated that if a determinate sentence had been imposed, it would have been 12 years. However, considering the circumstances, Farber was sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison, less nine months already served on remand, before he could be considered for parole. The court also imposed a lifelong ban on working with children and mandated that Farber remain on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.