PAUL KENT, THE CHINEHAM AND OLD BASING SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED IN BASINGSTOKE FOR 19 YEARS

In a landmark case that has left the community of Basingstoke and surrounding areas reeling, Paul Kent, a man with ties to both Chineham and Old Basing, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 19 years for a series of heinous sexual crimes committed over an eight-year period. The court proceedings, which culminated last Friday, brought to light the extent of Kent’s depravity and manipulation, leaving victims and their loved ones with a mixture of relief and lingering trauma.

Paul Kent, now aged 39, was convicted of raping four different women in Basingstoke, some of whom he had relationships with, during which he subjected them to acts of sexual violence that the court described as among the most depraved ever heard. The trial also revealed that two additional victims suffered from a range of other criminal acts, including sexual assault, blackmail, and intimidation, all perpetrated by Kent. The jury found him guilty of a total of 20 criminal charges, which included sexual activity with a child, while acquitting him of 10 other allegations.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Guy Boney addressed the court and the victims, emphasizing the severity of Kent’s actions. As the victims and their families watched from the public gallery, some were overcome with emotion, tears streaming down their faces as the judge delivered his verdict. Throughout the proceedings, Kent maintained a stoic demeanor in the dock, showing little emotion, although he was observed to smirk as he was led away to serve his sentence.

Judge Boney did not hold back in his condemnation of Kent’s character and moral compass. He stated, “You have no moral compass at all – it’s an instrument that does not appear on your dashboard,” highlighting the complete lack of remorse Kent exhibited. The judge further criticized Kent for his apparent disdain for women and his “aura of armour-plated sexual arrogance,” which at one point led him to portray himself as the victim during the trial. “It’s all utter nonsense,” Boney declared, adding, “You have a turbo-charged sex drive, and you are utterly ruthless in the ways you go about it.”

Details about Kent’s residence during the trial indicated he was living in Maybrook, Chineham, but the court was informed that his current address was listed as Belle Vue Road, Old Basing. Throughout the trial, Kent denied having sexual relations with the women or claimed that the acts, some of which the court described as among the most depraved, were consensual. The prosecution, led by Stephen Parish, presented victim impact statements from seven women, revealing the profound and lasting effects of Kent’s crimes. Many victims reported suffering from recurring nightmares, with some fearing Kent’s return and harm, and others describing how difficult it was to face court proceedings.

One woman shared that she turned to self-harm after making her allegations, while another expressed that Kent’s actions had shattered her trust in others and diminished her self-confidence. Although the seventh woman’s allegations did not lead to convictions, her bravery in coming forward was acknowledged as encouraging other victims to speak out. The court recognized her role in empowering others to seek justice.

Defense attorney Iain Lawrie described Kent’s mitigation as “meagre,” but noted that his client expressed a desire to be transferred to a prison on the Isle of Wight to participate in a sexual rehabilitation program. The judge, however, emphasized the danger Kent posed to the public, ruling that he would only be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence. Even if released early, Kent would remain on license for the remainder of his life, with an extension of four years, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Louise Trigg, who was commended for her diligent investigation, welcomed the outcome. She stated, “Paul Kent is a dangerous man who spent many years manipulating, controlling, and abusing women in the Basingstoke area. His vile and degrading behavior has left lasting scars on his victims, who may never fully recover from what happened to them.” Her comments underscored the seriousness of the case and the police’s commitment to justice.

Earlier in August 2013, Kent was already under scrutiny when prosecutors described him as a “dangerous manipulator.” The jury at Winchester Crown Court took nearly 37 hours over seven weeks to deliberate and reach a verdict. Kent, a mechanic by profession, was found guilty of nine counts of rape against four women, as well as five counts of sexual activity with a child involving two girls aged 14 and 15. Additional convictions included blackmail, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intimidation, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Throughout the trial, Kent displayed a disturbing lack of remorse, even laughing and joking with security staff after the verdicts were read. Judge Boney warned him that the severity of his crimes necessitated a substantial prison sentence. CPS advocate Ellie Fargin described Kent as a “devious and dangerous sexual predator,” who threatened victims with violence and made extortionate demands, including a £10,000 blackmail attempt against one woman’s family. She expressed gratitude to the victims for their courage and emphasized that the conviction demonstrated Hampshire Constabulary’s dedication to tackling sexual abuse and exploitation.

In summary, the case of Paul Kent, with connections to Chineham and Old Basing, has served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators within the community. His lengthy incarceration aims to protect the public and serve justice for the many women and girls whose lives he has profoundly affected.