FRED LIVESLEY SENTENCED IN ASHFORD AND ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant case that has spanned decades, Fred Livesley, a 77-year-old man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against young girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The offences took place in Bethersden, a village near Ashford, where Livesley’s victims, who were under the age of 14 at the time, endured a series of disturbing assaults.

The victims, whose identities remain protected, only came forward with their allegations in 2020, prompting a police investigation that eventually led to Livesley's arrest and subsequent trial. The lengthy delay in reporting highlights the often-hidden nature of such crimes and the courage required for victims to come forward after many years.

During the court proceedings, Livesley was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child. The court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, which spanned several years and caused lasting trauma to the victims. The evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a conviction on all counts.

On July 31, in a sentencing hearing, Livesley, who was formerly residing in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, was handed a prison sentence of 15 years. Additionally, the court ordered that he serve an extra three years on licence after his release, ensuring continued supervision and restrictions to prevent further harm.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the offences and the long period before justice was served. Authorities hope that this conviction will serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to victims and the need for vigilance in protecting children from abuse, regardless of how much time has passed.