WADHURST MAN KEVIN DEACON SENTENCED TO 27 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING VULNERABLE WOMEN AND TEENAGE GIRLS IN WADHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, AND SEVENOAKS

In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Kevin Deacon, a 47-year-old resident of Queen’s Cottages in Wadhurst, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 27 years following his conviction on multiple serious sex offences. The crimes, which spanned over a quarter of a century, involved four women and teenage girls who were particularly vulnerable, and the offenses took place across several locations including Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks.

Deacon’s conviction was secured after a rigorous three-week trial at Lewes Crown Court, where he was found guilty on May 25 of 13 separate counts. These counts included multiple instances of rape and sexual assault, some of which occurred on more than one occasion. The court heard that the offences took place over a period stretching from 1992 to 2017, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning decades.

The judge, Paul Tain, delivered the sentence, which includes a minimum term of 16 years before eligibility for parole. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will remain in effect indefinitely. This order strictly prohibits Deacon from having any contact with the victims involved in the case, as well as with any other girl under the age of 16. Such measures are designed to prevent any further harm and to protect the community from potential future offenses.

Specifically, Deacon was convicted of five counts of rape involving a woman, along with indecent assaults on three teenage girls. Two of these girls were also victims of rape by Deacon. The incidents took place at various addresses within the Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks areas, underscoring the widespread nature of his offending across different locations in the region.

In addition to his prison sentence, Deacon will be registered as a sex offender for life, a status that entails ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his crimes and the need to safeguard the community from any further harm by this individual. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable members of society.