JOHN SINGFIELD ABUSES CHILD IN ASHFORD AND HAMSTREET FOR OVER A DECADE

In a harrowing case that has shaken the communities of Ashford and Hamstreet, John Singfield, an elderly man, was convicted of sexually abusing his granddaughter over a period of more than ten years. The abuse, which began when the girl was just five years old, took place at his residence in Bournewood, a village near Ashford, specifically in Hamstreet. The victim, now a 30-year-old woman, courageously came forward to share her story, revealing the profound and lasting impact that her grandfather's actions have had on her life.

According to her account, the abuse was relentless, occurring every time she visited her grandfather’s home. She recounted that she could not even bring herself to call him 'Granddad,' feeling that he forfeited that right through his heinous acts. Instead, she referred to him simply as Jack. Her ordeal persisted until she was 15, when she finally gained the strength to make her own decisions about seeing him.

The victim’s decision to speak out was triggered after her grandmother’s funeral, during which Singfield inappropriately touched her. She explained, “That was the worst move he ever made. I was strong enough to know it had to stop, that others were at risk. It took me a couple of years to sort it all out in my mind, but when I finally made up my mind to tell the police, it was a great feeling. I needed resolution.”

Her bravery led to an extensive police investigation that lasted over a year. Detectives meticulously gathered evidence and interviewed more than 40 family members, though few were willing to discuss the case openly. The investigation culminated in Singfield’s conviction at Maidstone Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for the duration. He admitted to some of the charges, which resulted in this lenient sentence.

Despite his frail age—now 85—Singfield’s actions have left deep scars. The victim expressed her feelings of betrayal, especially by her own father, who wrote to the judge requesting leniency, claiming that was what she wanted. She stated, “It was not. I hate Jack. He is not my grandfather. He gave up the right to that title when he abused me. I have got my life back.”

Her decision to testify against her grandfather has caused a rift within her family. While she receives support from one uncle, her family, including her father, has disowned her. She shared her feelings of betrayal, saying, “They will say that I am the one who is keeping away from them but they know the truth. I feel deeply betrayed by my father.”

She also described the long-term effects of the abuse, which include trust issues, mental health struggles, and difficulties in her relationships. “He robbed me of my childhood,” she said. “He is an evil, manipulative man who still has a hold over other members of this family. But not me. I am free now. I have been cast out by the family, but I am still free.”

Today, she has rebuilt her life, maintaining a stable relationship, raising two children, and working as a life counsellor. She plans to work with others who have endured similar traumatic experiences, aiming to help them find healing. Her message to others is clear: “We are not victims; we are survivors. There are many like me out there. I went to court to see him sentenced, and he couldn’t even look at me.”