KEVIN LUCKHURST FROM ISTEAD RISE JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE IN MAIDSTONE

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Kevin Luckhurst, a man formerly residing in Flowerhill Way, Istead Rise, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The offences, which took place more than 40 years ago, involved the molestation and rape of a minor, and Luckhurst’s conviction marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

Luckhurst, who was 14 years old at the time of the initial abuse, began his misconduct while living in Faversham. Despite his early involvement in criminal acts, he later joined Kent Police, where he served for an impressive 30-year career until his retirement. His professional life was described as “exemplary” by colleagues, and he was known as a dog handler during his time in law enforcement. Now aged 58, he is married and had maintained a seemingly respectable life until the allegations surfaced.

The court proceedings revealed that Luckhurst denied seven charges of rape and three of indecent assault. However, he was ultimately convicted of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on the remaining charges, leaving some aspects of the case unresolved. The trial at Maidstone Crown Court uncovered disturbing details of the abuse, including how Luckhurst allegedly lured the young girl into a game before assaulting her and instructing her to keep the incidents secret.

The victim, who testified from behind screens, recounted her traumatic experience. She explained that she did not tell her mother or her head teacher about what happened, as she was overwhelmed by fear. She stated, “I didn’t tell my mother or head teacher. I don’t remember anything being said while it was happening. I was so fearful of him.” She further described the abuse, saying, “I tried to think of something else and concentrate on that. I didn’t welcome any of these advances. I didn’t say anything to get him to stop. I always did what he told me to do.”

Her account detailed how the abuse escalated, with Luckhurst attempting to rape her again and forcing her to perform a sex act. When she refused, she became angry and shouted at him, which seemed to shock him. She described her emotional state, saying, “I was crying. I said I would tell somebody if he touched me again. He said he wouldn’t touch me again and I didn’t tell anyone.” It was only decades later that she reported the abuse to the police, bringing her long ordeal to light.

During the trial, Luckhurst’s defense lawyer, Bozzie Sheffi, highlighted his previously unblemished character, noting that he was regarded by colleagues as “a thoroughly decent man.” Sheffi also mentioned that after retiring from the police, Luckhurst worked for the Environment Agency and volunteered for the National Trust. Despite these positive aspects, the judge, Charles Macdonald QC, made it clear that the passage of time did not mitigate the severity of the crimes. He questioned whether Luckhurst felt remorse, stating, “You say ashamed. You are not suggesting he is remorseful, are you, for putting the complainant through this?”

Sheffi responded that she could not comment on the jury’s verdicts further. The court was told that Luckhurst’s name will be entered onto the sex offender register indefinitely, and he will be prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults. Judge Macdonald emphasized the gravity of the offences, describing them as “opportunistic” and aggravated by efforts to prevent reporting. He acknowledged Luckhurst’s positive character but stressed that the crimes warranted punishment to serve as a deterrent.

The judge concluded by condemning the impact on the victim, stating, “These were opportunistic offences. On any view, the matters were aggravated by steps to prevent reporting. I give positive character such weight as I can, but these offences must be punished to deter others. You put the victim through a very agonising experience. The jury has vindicated her. Clearly, there is no shame or remorse here. This is extremely sad and a very serious case. The time has come for you to face up to what you did all those years ago.”