KEVIN MARRIOTT FROM DAVENTRY SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND ABUSE OF 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HEADTEACHER'S OFFICE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Daventry, Kevin Marriott, aged 53, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison following his conviction for the sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl. The incident took place within the confines of the headteacher’s office at a local school, where Marriott arranged to provide extra reading lessons for the young pupil.

According to court proceedings, Marriott exploited the opportunity when the headteacher was away, instructing the girl not to disclose what was happening. Over the course of more than a year, Marriott carried out at least ten separate assaults on the young girl, a pattern of abuse that only came to light after the victim confided in her mother.

Prosecutor Christopher Gabbitas detailed the nature of the abuse, stating, “He abused her by having her sit on his knee and touching her.” The court heard that Marriott’s actions were deliberate and predatory, targeting a vulnerable child during what should have been innocent tutoring sessions.

During the trial at Northampton Crown Court, Judge Timothy Smith addressed Marriott directly, condemning his actions. The judge remarked, “You exploited this girl’s reading difficulties for your own sexual gratification.” Marriott was acquitted of a charge of sex assault but was found guilty of three other charges related to the abuse.

As part of his sentence, Marriott is required to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from working with children in any capacity in the future. The judge emphasized the profound impact of Marriott’s actions on the victim’s family, noting that her father now fears playing with her, worried that any physical contact might remind her of her traumatic experience. Judge Smith concluded by stating, “This will cause, for the victim, a scar that she could bear for the rest of her life,” highlighting the lasting emotional damage inflicted by Marriott’s misconduct.