WILLESBOROUGH MAN THOMAS BEVAN SENTENCED FOR KIDNAPPING ATTEMPT IN ASHFORD AND SMEETH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Willesborough and the surrounding areas, Thomas Bevan, a 22-year-old resident of Osbourne Road in Willesborough, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for his involvement in an attempted kidnapping and a series of related criminal activities. The incident took place in Ashford, specifically at a bus stop in Smeeth, on March 7, and has since led to a thorough investigation by local authorities.

Bevan appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on a Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping, theft, possession of indecent images of children (three counts), possession of prohibited images of children, and making indecent images of a child (two counts). These charges stemmed from a series of disturbing actions that culminated in the attempted abduction of a 14-year-old girl.

The young girl was waiting at a bus stop in Smeeth when Bevan allegedly approached her without warning. According to reports, he forcibly grabbed her, took her rucksack, and attempted to use a pair of toy handcuffs on her in an apparent attempt to restrain her. The girl, visibly distressed by the assault, managed to break free and fled to another bus stop nearby, seeking help from a friend. Her quick thinking and escape prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.

Following the incident, authorities launched an investigation that quickly led to Bevan’s arrest. Kent Police officers identified him as the suspect and apprehended him at his residence the very next day. During the search of his home, officers recovered the girl’s rucksack, which Bevan had been hiding under his bed. They also seized his computer equipment and mobile phone, which later revealed a troubling collection of indecent images of children.

In court, Bevan admitted that he had intended to kidnap and sexually assault the young girl. He further confessed that his criminal desires had been fueled by visits to internet chat rooms and viewing indecent images online. His actions and admissions have caused widespread concern among residents of Willesborough and the wider community, highlighting the dangers posed by online exploitation and predatory behavior.

As a result of his guilty plea and the evidence presented, Bevan was sentenced to 22 months in prison, a measure intended to serve both as punishment and a warning to others. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders in the community.