STANLEY WILKINSON SENTENCED IN SHEERNESS AND SITTINGBOURNE FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Sheerness and Sittingbourne, former diplomat Stanley Wilkinson has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where the judge explained that the sentences for the six charges would run concurrently due to health issues affecting Wilkinson and his wife.

Stanley Wilkinson, aged 70, who had a distinguished career with the Foreign Office beginning in 1954 and retiring as a First Secretary in 1988, was found guilty of subjecting his young victim to a prolonged campaign of abuse. The girl, who is now 18, recounted to the court that Wilkinson’s misconduct started when she was just a child, around six or seven years old, while playing in the garden of his residence in Periwinkle Close, Sittingbourne.

According to her testimony, Wilkinson initially engaged in groping her and later attempted to rape her. She revealed that she kept her suffering secret for several years, fearing disbelief and retaliation. The girl told the court that Wilkinson had warned her to stay silent, saying, “No-one would believe you, anyway.” It was only later that she confided in a police officer, describing her mental image of Wilkinson being in the Foreign Office and her mother’s disbelief.

Wilkinson, who resided at Lavender Court in Sittingbourne, denied all charges, including two counts of attempted rape, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child, which related to incidents between July 1992 and July 1998. The jury convicted him of all charges by a majority of 10 to 2.

During the trial, Wilkinson also faced allegations involving another girl, now aged 11, but was acquitted of four charges of indecent assault relating to her, which occurred between October 2000 and January 2002. Wilkinson’s defense lawyer, Rupert Bowers, emphasized Wilkinson’s otherwise active and productive life, highlighting his role in caring for his wife, who suffers from multiple health issues and is unable to leave the house unattended without assistance.

Mr. Bowers requested the court to consider a suspended sentence, citing Wilkinson’s age and health, and arguing that imprisonment would be devastating for his wife. He also pointed out that Wilkinson posed little risk at his advanced age. However, Judge Michael Neligan emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating that Wilkinson’s actions were serious and that the court had taken into account his previous good character, age, and his wife’s health.

As part of his sentence, Wilkinson will be registered as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from having any contact with children under 16. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Sheerness and Sittingbourne, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.