GRANT VENAMORE JAILED FOR 16 YEARS IN CROYDON FOR SICKENING CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A man identified as Grant Venamore has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years after being convicted of a series of heinous and depraved sexual offences committed against young children.The crimes, which include multiple rapes and abuse, took place over a span of more than 15 years and involved victims as young as four years old.
Venamore’s criminal activities came to light following reports of abuse made to Kent Police in August 2020.
An extensive investigation was launched, revealing a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct that persisted for over a decade and a half.
The investigation uncovered that Venamore was responsible for numerous offences, including the sexual assault and rape of two children in the areas of Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood.
These incidents reportedly began in the 1990s, with one of the victims being only four years old at the time of the initial abuse.
During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Venamore, who resides on London Road in Croydon, denied all allegations.
However, the evidence presented was overwhelming, and the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilt on 11 counts related to the sexual abuse of children, including multiple instances of rape.
The severity of his crimes led Judge Philip Statman to label him as a “dangerous offender,” emphasizing the persistent and violent nature of his sexual misconduct.
Venamore was formally sentenced on June 18, with the judge ordering that he serve a minimum of two-thirds of his prison sentence before being eligible for parole.
Upon release, he will be subject to an extended three-year licence period and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, designed to protect the community from any further offending.
Detective Constable Tania Muller, of the West Kent Child Protection Team, expressed her condemnation of Venamore’s actions, stating, “Venamore repeatedly subjected his young victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives.
His actions have not only had a destructive effect upon their childhoods but will have sadly left a damaging and lasting impact on their adult lives.” She also highlighted the bravery of the victims who came forward, saying, “It has taken enormous strength and courage for these victims to come forward and provide the evidence and testimony needed to ensure Venamore has now faced justice for these abhorrent crimes.” Muller further urged anyone who has experienced similar abuse to come forward, reassuring that “it is never too late to report this to the police.” She assured the public that a dedicated team of officers continues to work tirelessly to bring offenders like Venamore to justice, regardless of how long ago the crimes occurred, emphasizing that all information is treated with the utmost confidence and sensitivity.
