PETER KINGDON FROM YEOVIL SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR ABUSE AND RAPE OF CHILDREN IN DEVON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Yeovil and the wider Devon area, Peter Kingdon, aged 55, was handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse and sexual assault of three young girls over a span of two decades.

Kingdon's criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation that revealed his repeated acts of violence and sexual misconduct. The court heard that he had inflicted physical harm and engaged in sexual acts with children as young as five years old, with one of his victims being just ten years old at the time of her assault.

During the proceedings at Taunton Crown Court, prosecutor Nikki Coombe detailed the extent of Kingdon's depravity. She explained that while Kingdon was on police bail for previous historic sexual offences against two other young girls, he committed further crimes, including the rape of a 10-year-old girl. The court was told that Kingdon had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of child rape.

The court was presented with disturbing accounts from the victims. One girl, who was assaulted from the age of seven, was beaten and struck with a riding crop by Kingdon. She confided in a friend in 2014 about her ordeal, revealing that she had been too frightened to report the abuse earlier. Her emotional scars were evident, as she suffered from depression, self-harm, and an eating disorder.

Another victim, who was around five years old when Kingdon began abusing her, was manipulated into touching him and was afraid to tell anyone, fearing that she would get into trouble. Her mother later confronted Kingdon, who responded with a remorseful apology, saying, “I’m sorry. I f***** up.”

Shockingly, even as police investigations into his previous offences were underway, Kingdon continued to abuse and rape another young girl. This victim was overheard whispering to him, and when questioned, she tearfully disclosed the abuse she had suffered. Her disclosures led to further charges and a conviction.

Judge David Ticehurst, who presided over the case, described Kingdon as “wicked” and “dangerous,” emphasizing the lasting impact of his crimes. He stated, “Between 1998 and 2006, you committed these terrible offences against young children. You physically and sexually abused them. You were arrested and while you were on bail, you committed further offences on another child. You raped a 10-year-old girl.”

The judge highlighted the profound and enduring harm inflicted upon the victims, noting that the damage would likely affect them for the rest of their lives. He condemned Kingdon’s pattern of “sexually despicable behaviour” and confirmed that he posed a significant risk to children.

Kingdon, who appeared in court in custody and is originally from Yeovil, initially denied the charges but later changed his plea to guilty. He was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison, with 18 years for each of the rape charges and an additional year on license. The sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, he received a six-month sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and a 12-month concurrent sentence for sexual assault charges. For the charges of gross indecency with a child, he was sentenced to 12 months concurrent.

Furthermore, Kingdon was placed under a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders register until his death, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society.