GARY DEVENEY SENTENCED IN WESTERHAM AND TONBRIDGE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant case that highlights ongoing concerns about child sexual abuse, Gary Deveney, a man with a troubling history of offending, was recently sentenced to nine years in prison for abusing a young girl in Tonbridge. The conviction follows a detailed investigation by Kent Police, which uncovered disturbing details about Deveney's criminal activities spanning over a decade.

Deveney, aged 48, was arrested in June 2013 after the victim’s mother reported her concerns to authorities. The young girl had made comments that raised alarm bells, prompting detectives to delve deeper into her allegations. It was established that Deveney had sexually assaulted the girl at an address in Tonbridge during the years 2010 and 2011, when she was only between three and four years old. The gravity of the case was compounded by the fact that Deveney was already serving time for unrelated sexual offences, which led to his arrest while he was in prison.

He was subsequently taken to a police station in London for questioning, where he denied the six counts of sexual offences against a child that he faced. The trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, where the evidence presented by the prosecution proved compelling enough to secure a conviction. On January 9, Deveney was sentenced to nine years behind bars, with an additional three-year extended licence period to follow his release. This extended period aims to monitor his behaviour and prevent further offences.

Detective Constable Emma Crombie of Kent Police emphasized the importance of the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She stated, “Deveney denied the offences, but from the information that the victim provided us it was clear that he had taken advantage of a child who was far too young to understand the gravity of what was happening. A couple of years later, the victim made passing comments to her mother, who contacted us. That allowed us to gather the evidence from a very brave victim, and put Gary Deveney in front of a judge and jury.”

She further added, “I think the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and it is reassuring for the victim and her family that Deveney is now in a place where he cannot cause any further harm.”

Deveney’s criminal record is extensive, particularly concerning his history of abusing young girls. In 2011, while residing in Westerham, he pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault on girls under 14 years old. His youngest victim was only seven years old. These offences spanned a period of 14 years, from 1990 to 2004, and took place across various locations in the Dartford area. As a result, he was sentenced to four years in prison, ordered to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, and was registered on the sex offenders register for life.

Earlier in November 2011, Deveney’s predatory behaviour was further highlighted when he was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court for his actions in Dartford. He was sentenced to four years after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault involving young girls. The court heard that Deveney targeted and groomed his victims, some as young as seven, often giving them drugs and alcohol before abusing them sexually. Judge Jeremy Carey described Deveney’s actions as driven by “an unnatural and wholly criminal like for young girls.”

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Naomi Moore of the child abuse investigation unit expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She said, “We welcome the sentence handed out which finally brings this predatory paedophile to justice.” She also praised the victims for their courage, stating, “The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the bravery of the victims and they should be commended for their courage in coming forward to report these crimes. Without their courage, this case would never have come to court. I also hope this sentencing will give past and present victims of these types of offences the confidence to come forward to report these crimes knowing those responsible will be brought to justice.”