RICHARD SONGHURST SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE IN STROOD

In a case that has shocked the community of Strood, Richard Songhurst, a 50-year-old former soldier, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over more than three decades. The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where the judge described the case as one of the most severe and disturbing he had encountered in his career.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC delivered a stark condemnation of Songhurst’s actions, stating, "The picture that has emerged is one of extreme — even breathtaking — depravity." The judge emphasized that Songhurst had exploited young girls for his own sexual gratification, using them as playthings without any remorse or hesitation. Despite pleading guilty to 29 separate charges, Songhurst appeared to show little remorse, even stealing glances at some of his victims sitting in the public gallery as he was led away to the cells.

The court heard that Songhurst, who resides on St Mary’s Road in Strood, admitted to seven counts of rape, 14 counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. The abuse reportedly began when Songhurst was just 18 years old and on leave from the Army, with the crimes spanning over 30 years.

It was revealed that he involved two of his victims simultaneously, leading to a pattern of molestation, coercion into touching him, and ultimately rape. The full extent of his depravity only came to light after one brave victim summoned the courage to report the abuse to police in 2013, more than 30 years after the abuse had started. The victim statements painted a harrowing picture of systematic exploitation, with one girl being abused from primary school age and subjected to rape from as young as ten. At one point, Songhurst was abusing her daily and forcing her to engage in sexual activities with other children while he watched.

Prosecutor Isobel Ascherson detailed the severity of the crimes, including an account where one girl was unconscious during the assault. Three additional victims came forward, and the police arrested Songhurst after one victim reported the abuse last year, prompting others to follow suit. Although Songhurst made partial admissions, there remained elements of denial, which the prosecution highlighted as indicative of his inability to fully accept responsibility.

The impact on the victims and their families was profound, with statements revealing the devastating and lifelong effects of the abuse. Judge Griffith-Jones described the victim testimonies as harrowing and emphasized that Songhurst had effectively stolen their childhoods through grooming and systematic abuse. The judge stated, "You have devastated the lives of five young girls," and condemned Songhurst’s entrenched deviant mindset, lack of insight, and absence of empathy.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge noted that if a fixed-term sentence had been imposed, it would have been 15 years. However, given the severity and nature of the crimes, he concluded that a life sentence was necessary to protect the public. Songhurst will serve a minimum of seven and a half years before being eligible for parole, but he will remain on license for the rest of his life. Additionally, his name will be permanently registered on the sex offenders’ register, and he is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Judge Griffith-Jones praised the dignity and resilience of the victims and their families, acknowledging the difficulty of their ordeal and expressing hope that today’s proceedings might offer some measure of closure. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of Songhurst’s crimes, which involved grooming, routine abuse, and a systematic pattern of exploitation. The judge concluded by condemning Songhurst’s minimization of his actions and his continued denial of the true extent of his sexual attraction to young girls, emphasizing the enormity of his offenses and their lasting impact on his victims.