SYNTHY HEAD'S HORRIFIC SEX CRIMES IN DYMCHURCH: 40-YEAR NIGHTMARE ENDS IN 18-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE

In a case that has shocked the community of Dymchurch, an 85-year-old man named Sydney Head has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over four decades. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing extent of his crimes, which involved multiple victims and spanned over 40 years, leaving a lasting impact on those affected.

During the trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Head appeared in a wheelchair, a visual reminder of his advanced age and health issues. Due to severe hearing difficulties, he was required to read his sentence on a computer screen, highlighting the physical toll of his ailments. Despite his frailty, the court heard that he had been convicted on 14 counts of rape and indecent assault, involving two separate victims.

Head’s legal representative, barrister Lucy Luttman, addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of her client’s health conditions. She explained that his legs and feet had swollen to grotesque proportions, and he had been unable to shower for the past two weeks. Luttman described him as feeling isolated and vulnerable within the prison system, asserting that her plea was not for sympathy but for mercy. She detailed his multiple illnesses, his reliance on walking sticks, and his need for assistance with bathing and dressing, painting a picture of a man physically diminished by age and illness.

However, the presiding judge, James O’Mahony, was unyielding in his condemnation. He stated that Head had been fully fit and healthy when he committed these “wicked indulgences” to satisfy his sexual urges. The judge condemned the acts as acts of cruelty, emphasizing the emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon the victims. Sitting at the side of the courtroom, Head remained slumped in his wheelchair as the judge delivered his verdict, condemning his lack of remorse or sympathy.

Prosecutor Paul Valder recounted how Head had threatened one of his victims to prevent her from reporting the repeated assaults, adding a layer of intimidation and control to his crimes. Judge O’Mahony described the catalogue of abuse as possibly the worst he had encountered in his many years of handling such cases. He highlighted the profound and lasting effects on the victims, noting that one of them suffered a complete psychiatric breakdown and ongoing issues later in life, directly attributable to Head’s gross misconduct. The second victim also experienced severe repercussions from the vile attacks.

Throughout the trial, Head maintained his innocence, and both victims were compelled to relive their traumatic experiences by giving evidence in court. The judge acknowledged the emotional toll this process took on them. While he initially considered a 21-year sentence, he reduced it by three years due to Head’s medical conditions, resulting in a total of 18 years. The judge also noted that Head would not be eligible for parole until he reaches the age of 94, underscoring the long-term consequences of his actions and the gravity of his crimes.