KEVIN HORVATH, IVAN TURTAK & ERNEST GUNAR BRUTAL SEX OFFENSES IN DOVER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dover, three men—Kevin Horvath, aged 26, Ivan Turtak, aged 38, and Ernest Gunar, aged 27—were found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of committing a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl, only 12 years old. The horrific events unfolded on August 11, 2024, in a supermarket car park located in Dover, where the victim was lured into a vehicle by Horvath and Turtak. The men’s predatory actions marked a deeply troubling chapter in the ongoing fight against child exploitation.

According to court proceedings, the two men, Horvath and Turtak, persuaded the young girl to enter their car under false pretenses. Once inside, she was subjected to a terrifying ordeal that lasted over three days. During this period, she was forcibly drugged with substances including crystal meth and amphetamine, which were used to manipulate and control her. The men then committed multiple acts of sexual violence, including rape and other sexual acts, in a calculated effort to satisfy their own depraved desires. The Crown Prosecution Service described their actions as using the girl for their 'own horrendous gratification,' emphasizing the profound impact this trauma has had on her life.

Throughout her ordeal, the girl was threatened with death if she attempted to escape or sought help from anyone. Despite the threats and her fear, she managed to escape on August 13, after waking up before her captors. Her escape was a testament to her resilience and bravery. Police later recovered her phone from Horvath’s vehicle, which proved crucial in building the case against the men. The authorities and support services are now working to help her recover from the trauma and rebuild her life, acknowledging her courage in coming forward and providing evidence against her abusers.

During the trial, the court heard detailed accounts of the crimes committed by each of the three men. Kevin Horvath, born on May 17, 1999, was convicted of sexual assault of a child under 13. He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of raping a child under 13 and one count of assault by penetration of a child under 13. Ivan Turtak, born on October 27, 1986, was convicted of raping a child under 13, having already admitted to taking indecent photographs of a minor. Ernest Gunar, born on December 10, 1997, was found guilty of two counts of raping a child under 13, having previously pleaded guilty to one such charge.

All three men are scheduled to be sentenced on September 12. The case has drawn widespread attention to the dangers faced by vulnerable children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement. The community and authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served and to supporting the young girl as she begins the long process of healing from this traumatic experience.