MAIDSTONE NATURIST GARY SAVELL SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Maidstone, Gary Savell, a 66-year-old naturist residing in the area, has been convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse of a young girl. The abuse, which remained concealed until late 2006, inflicted lasting trauma on the victim, who continues to suffer from the emotional scars of Savell's wickedness many years after the incidents.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Nina Ellin, detailed how Savell was a domineering figure who employed violence and intimidation to control his young victim. The court heard that Savell faced 20 charges in total, including four counts of rape, eight of indecent assault, and eight of indecency with a child. However, he was ultimately convicted of three counts of rape, three of indecent assault, and seven of indecency with a child.

The victim, whose testimony was both heartbreaking and powerful, described how she learned to mentally detach herself from the abuse. She explained that she would sing a song in her head to block out the trauma during the assaults, saying, “If you don’t see what is happening, you can pretend it isn’t happening. I pretended I was someone else, singing a song.” The court was also told that Savell threatened to kill her if she ever disclosed what was happening.

At the time of his arrest last year, Savell, who was then living in Coulsdon, Surrey, denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence. Despite his denials, Judge Andrew Patience QC emphasized that the conviction was based on compelling evidence presented during the trial. The judge described the victim’s account as truly shocking and horrifying, highlighting how Savell used her for his sexual gratification at the expense of her dignity and well-being.

Judge Patience expressed deep concern over the lasting impact on the victim, stating, “She is a deeply damaged and unhappy woman, perhaps forever suffering the consequences of your wickedness.” The judge also criticized Savell’s apparent lack of remorse, noting that throughout the proceedings, he appeared more concerned with his own interests than acknowledging the harm he caused.

In addition to the prison sentence, Savell will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Furthermore, a sexual offences prevention order has been imposed, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children, aiming to prevent any future harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims in Maidstone and beyond.