KEITH PORTCH FROM EASTCHURCH SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of Eastchurch, Keith Portch, aged 46, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of eight years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving young girls. The court heard that Portch exhibited a pattern of controlling and abusive behavior of a sexual nature, which culminated in his conviction on three counts of indecent assault and seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Judge Martin Joy, presiding over the proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of Portch’s actions. He described the defendant as not only a sexual offender but also an aggressive bully, highlighting the duality of his character. Despite receiving numerous character references that Judge Joy described as “impressive,” which painted Portch as a generous, charitable, and caring individual, the judge made it clear that these positive traits were overshadowed by his serious misconduct.

The court was told that one of Portch’s victims endured assaults that involved forceful molestation, as detailed by prosecutor Christopher May. Additionally, evidence was presented about another girl who had previously made similar allegations several years earlier, but the case was never pursued by the Crown Prosecution Service at that time.

Further disturbing accounts came from a young woman who testified that Portch would make lewd comments and physically touch her, specifically her bottom, adding to the pattern of inappropriate and predatory behavior.

During the sentencing, Portch, who resides on Brabazon Road in Eastchurch, displayed a calm demeanor, smiling at his partner, family, and friends in the public gallery as the sentence was announced. Several supporters had submitted character references, which the judge described as “impressive,” and some in court offered words of encouragement, such as “Chin up” and “Don’t worry. We all know the truth.”

As Portch was led out of the courtroom, he told his girlfriend that he loved her, to which she responded in kind. The court also noted that he would serve half of his eight-year sentence, less 69 days already spent on remand. It was also revealed that Portch had a prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage girl, further underscoring the seriousness of his criminal history and the threat he posed to the community of Eastchurch.