A former Ramsgate man has been jailed after he was found guilty of child sexual abuse offences.
Dean Luckhurst, (police correction to previously issued details – address is now Dover not Ramsgate, although previously a Ramsgate resident) denied inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between February and March 2018 but was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
Today (December 24) he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment followed by four years on extended licence.
The court heard how in November 2018 the 23-year-old contacted a girl from Swale on social media and struck up a relationship with her, initiating a sexual conversation through messaging. He also sent an indecent image of himself to her.
In February 2019, he arranged to meet the child at Teynham Railway Station. He then took her to a secluded wooded area a short walk from the station where he gave her cannabis and then abused her by penetration.
Luckhurst continued to send messages of a sexual nature to the victim with the intention of pursuing a sexual relationship until it was reported to Kent Police in March 2019. He was arrested in Margate on April 5,2019.
Investigating officer, Police Constable Jenny Boyden said: “These were abhorrent crimes committed by Dean Luckhurst, who manipulated a child in order to satisfy his sexual desires,
“I would like to pay tribute to any victim for having the courage to come forward with information that allows us to ensure people like Luckhurst are sent to prison. The outcome of this case will hopefully reassure all victims of sexual offences that we will always listen to you and provide you with all the necessary support as we investigate the offences that have been reported to us.”
Luckhurst will be on the Sex Offenders Register and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.