PETER SPENCE FROM SWANSCOMBE SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL IN MAIDSTONE

In October 2014, Peter Spence, a drama teacher from Swanscombe, was sentenced in connection with serious sexual offences involving a 13-year-old girl. Following his court appearance, Spence, who is also known as Peter Barnes after changing his name, received an 18-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years. This means he will not serve time immediately but will be under supervision and subject to certain conditions during this period.

Spence, aged 23 and residing on Southfleet Road in Swanscombe, had previously denied allegations that he met a minor following a period of sexual grooming and that he incited or caused a child to engage in sexual activities. Despite his denial, a jury at Maidstone Crown Court found him guilty in August of the same year. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the nature of his interactions with the young girl.

During the sentencing hearing, it was disclosed that Spence had contacted the girl via Facebook, and their communication extended to Skype messages, which became increasingly flirtatious. The court heard that Spence eventually suggested they meet in person. He expressed love for her and claimed he would wait until she turned 16 before pursuing any relationship. The girl testified that the most they had done was share kisses, which she wanted to happen, and that they had gone on a camping trip together, staying overnight. During this trip, they kissed and cuddled, and Spence invited her to his home, although she chose not to go.

The girl's mother provided a statement to the court, describing how her family’s life had been profoundly disrupted by Spence’s actions, stating that their lives had been “turned upside down.” Prosecutor Peter Forbes emphasized the impact on the girl, noting that she had experienced significant emotional distress and problems in her relationship with her mother due to the secrecy surrounding her interactions with Spence.

Spence attempted to defend himself by claiming that an impersonator was responsible for the sexual banter exchanged with the girl on Skype and suggested that his computer might have been hacked. However, Recorder David Jeremy QC dismissed these claims as “utterly ludicrous,” criticizing anyone who encouraged him to contest the charges, given the strength of the evidence against him.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Jeremy acknowledged that Spence had recently become a father. Despite this, he expressed the view that the best environment for Spence’s rehabilitation would be within his family. Nonetheless, he described Spence as immature, narcissistic, devious, and manipulative. The judge emphasized that it was Spence’s immaturity, combined with his narcissism and deviousness, that led him to fail to recognize the inappropriateness of his actions, which had caused significant harm to the young girl and her family.