RAPIST WHO PREYED ON YOUNG VICTIMS JAILED FOR 28 YEARS
A child molester whose heinous abuse lasted over twenty years has received a 28-year prison sentence, but he did not appear in court to hear his punishment, opting to avoid facing proceedings.Kevin Wernham, a serial sexual offender who maintains his innocence and has attempted to shift blame onto another individual for his heinous acts, chose not to attend his sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday — neither in person nor via a prison video link.
The 54-year-old from Ashford was found guilty of 28 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and inducing a child to participate in sexual acts, after a trial that lasted four weeks in October last year.
Jurors learned that Wernham targeted vulnerable young victims, sometimes giving alcohol to one and showing others pornography, then coercing them into involved sexual acts.
The court was told that the mechanic, residing on a caravan park in Aldington, even invited other men to join in the abuse.
He also instructed a young victim not to tell anyone, referring to the incidents as a "shared, special grown-up thing." Nevertheless, brave victims eventually came forward, and their accounts revealed a disturbing pattern of similar abuse by Wernham.
The judge, Sarah Counsell, noted that his criminal conduct caused profound psychological harm and lifelong scars, effectively “stealing childhoods,” and emphasised the widespread and long-lasting impact.
A victim’s statement was read aloud by prosecutor Paul Valder, describing daily emotional struggles, including feelings of rage, sorrow, shame, panic, and terror.
They shared that their life has been marred by mood swings, intense emotional fluctuations, disturbed sleep, nightmares, flashbacks, hallucinations, and a persistent fear that Wernham remains a threat.
Advocacy lawyer Sarah O’Kane spoke to the court about Wernham's health concerns and his heightened prison ranking.
She called for a fixed-term sentence, but Judge Counsell disagreed, pointing to a probation report that described the defendant as lacking remorse and denying any responsibility, instead claiming his victims’ testimonies were false and perjured.
The judge made clear that Wernham’s egregious “campaign of rape and sexual abuse” warranted a sentencing that would serve as a protective measure for society.
Addressing an empty dock, she stated: “These remarks are directed at Mr Wernham, though he chose not to face these proceedings.
“He was convicted by a jury at trial of what was serious and systematic sexual abuse of children.
“He took advantage and preyed on his victims’ vulnerabilities… stealing their childhoods.
“They learnt about sexual behaviour far too early and this will have a life-long impact on them all.” She further highlighted Wernham’s failure to accept responsibility, noting he continued to suggest his victims lied, alleging motives such as financial gain.
The court recognised his denial, victim-blaming, and attempts to shift blame onto others, including claims of a mistrial and fabricated evidence.
Because of his high risk to children, she sentenced him to a 30-year extended prison term, consisting of a 24-year sentence, of which he must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for parole, plus six additional years on licence after release.
This extended sentence runs consecutively with a separate four-year term, meaning he will serve half of the four years before the longer sentence begins.
Wernham is also ordered to register as a sex offender for life, subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and may be prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults.
