JAMES MCCAW FROM MARGATE SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN KENT

In April 2017, a man from Margate named James McCaw was handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young children. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, with McCaw, aged 26 at the time, convicted of six separate charges that included rape and other sexual assaults.

McCaw’s crimes were particularly heinous, involving not only traditional sexual assault but also the use of objects such as a witch’s wand and a Glowstick to carry out his attacks. The severity of his actions and the nature of the offenses led the judge to classify him as “an offender of particular concern,” resulting in a sentence of 16 years in prison. This sentence was handed down under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, which allows for a more stringent review process. Instead of the usual release on licence after serving half of his sentence, McCaw will be referred to the parole board, which will determine whether he is safe to be released back into society or if he must serve the full custodial period.

Throughout the trial, McCaw maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. However, after more than five hours of deliberation, the jury at Canterbury Crown Court returned guilty verdicts on all six charges, with a majority of 10-2. During the reading of the verdicts, McCaw showed little emotion, merely shaking his head and waving to family and friends seated in the public gallery. As he was led away to begin his sentence, he blew a kiss to a woman in the gallery who was wearing an identical yellow T-shirt, indicating a possible connection or familiarity.

Prosecutor Paul Valder detailed the disturbing nature of the crimes, revealing that McCaw had sexually abused two victims several years prior. The abuse included humiliating and degrading acts, with McCaw attempting to shift blame onto the children involved. The court heard that a young girl had later confided in police that McCaw had threatened to kill her if she revealed what had happened. An investigation was launched, and McCaw was initially charged. However, the case was temporarily halted when a child witness claimed she had been lying. Despite this setback, new allegations emerged years later, prompting police to reopen the case. McCaw again denied the accusations, claiming he was the victim of malicious lies, but ultimately, he was convicted of the serious offenses.

As part of his sentence, McCaw was ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard procedure for such convictions, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to the community.