MARK AUSTEN FROM RAMSGATE SENTENCED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL HE WAS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ramsgate, Mark Austen, aged 48, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of abusing a seven-year-old girl whom he was entrusted to care for and protect. The heinous acts committed by Austen spanned over a period of five years, during which he committed six counts of attempted rape and indecent assault.

These offences came to light during a court hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, where Judge Heather Norton delivered her verdict. Austen, residing on St Leonards Avenue in Ramsgate, was sentenced to a total of 12 years and 8 months behind bars. The court also allowed for the consideration of four additional offences against another young girl, which were not prosecuted but remained on the file.

Judge Norton expressed her profound concern over the impact of Austen’s actions on the victim, who cannot be named publicly due to legal restrictions. She described how the girl had been overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, shame, and disgust as a direct result of Austen’s abuse. The judge emphasized that this was a sustained and deliberate course of misconduct, highlighting the gross breach of trust involved.

She stated, “This was a sustained course of abuse against a young child you were meant to be looking after. You should have protected her. Her guilt, shame, and disgust, along with subsequent depression, led her to attempt to take her own life.”

Prosecutor Peter Forbes pointed out the lasting effects of Austen’s actions, noting that the victim’s ability to form healthy relationships had been significantly impaired. The court’s decision also included a lifetime order for Austen to be registered as a sex offender, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the community from further harm.