KEVIN HARRAP FROM CHURCHDOWN, GLOUCESTER SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TWO GIRLS

In September 2009, Kevin Harrap, a 59-year-old resident of Zinnia Close in Churchdown, Gloucester, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences committed against two underage girls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years, with Harrap’s actions leaving lasting scars on his victims.

Judge Martin Picton presided over the case at Gloucester Crown Court, where he handed down a nine-year prison sentence to Harrap. The judge also imposed an extended license period of five additional years, meaning that after his release, Harrap will remain under supervision and could be recalled to prison if he breaches the terms of his license. This extended supervision will be in effect for a total of 14 years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for ongoing public protection.

Court records indicated that Harrap has struggled with controlling his sexual urges for decades, with his criminal history dating back to the 1960s. Notably, he had previously been convicted of indecent exposure in 1966, highlighting a long-standing pattern of inappropriate and illegal sexual behavior.

Harrap pleaded guilty to nine separate charges involving two girls, both of whom were minors at the time of the offences. The most serious of these charges was attempted rape. Prosecutor Ian Fenny detailed that, with the exception of the attempted rape, most of the offences involving one of the girls occurred when she was under 13 years old. The charges related to the other girl involved incidents when she was under 14.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Harrap would buy expensive presents for the girls, which the prosecution argued was part of a grooming process designed to manipulate and control his victims. It was also alleged that he provided money to both girls, although Harrap denied these claims when questioned.

Harrap was arrested on September 1 of the previous year. Initially, he denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence. However, subsequent investigations and his guilty plea led to his conviction.

During the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer Christopher Austin highlighted Harrap’s mental health struggles, including a serious suicide attempt while on bail. Austin argued that an indeterminate sentence was not appropriate, emphasizing that despite his longstanding urges, this was the first time Harrap’s behavior had escalated to such a serious level.

Judge Picton condemned Harrap’s actions, describing them as “truly terrible offences” and criticizing his grooming of the victims over an extended period. The judge stated that Harrap had caused irreparable harm to the girls, who would carry the emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Recognizing the danger Harrap posed to the public, the judge emphasized the importance of public protection in his sentencing decision.

In addition to the prison term, Harrap was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, further restricting his conduct and monitoring his activities to prevent any future offences.