Description
A serial child rapist whose abuse spanned two decades has been jailed for 28 years but refused to attend his sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court, denying his victims closure.
Kevin Wernham, 54, from Ashford, was convicted of 28 offenses—including rape, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity—after a month-long trial in October last year.
Jurors heard how the mechanic, living on a caravan park in Aldington, preyed on young victims, plying one with alcohol, forcing others to watch pornography, and making them perform sexual acts. He even invited other men to join in and told one youngster not to reveal it, calling it their "shared, special grown-up thing."
Victims came forward with similar ordeals, leading to his conviction. The abuse had a "severe psychological and life-long impact," stealing their childhoods, said Judge Sarah Counsell.
One victim's statement, read by prosecutor Paul Valder, described:
"My daily life is a constant battle with emotions and unpredictable negativity—emotions such as rage, sorrow, shame, panic and terror. The quality of my life is marred by severe mood swings, making it a rollercoaster of emotions. I oscillate between feelings of despair and brief moments of positivity. The daily impact on my life is profound and I feel myself in a constant tug of war."
The victim also reported disturbed sleep, nightmares, flashbacks, hallucinations, and an "obsession" that Wernham still posed a threat.
Defending, Sarah O'Kane cited Wernham's health issues and enhanced prison status, arguing for a determinate sentence.
But Judge Counsell, noting a probation report's finding of no remorse and victim-blaming—Wernham maintained innocence, accused victims of perjury, and blamed another man—imposed an extended sentence to protect the public.
Addressing the empty dock, she said:
"These remarks are directed at Mr Wernham, although he has not been willing to attend this hearing to face the consequences of his actions. He was convicted by a jury at trial of what was serious and systematic sexual abuse of children. He took advantage and preyed on his victims’ vulnerabilities… stealing their childhoods. They learnt about sexual behaviour far too early and this will have a life-long impact on them all."
The judge added:
"He has not faced up to his actions" and still blames others. "He has maintained throughout that his victims are not telling the truth about what happened. The jury has found otherwise. He has suggested they had various incentives to lie and that one victim had a financial motive. His behaviour was truly a campaign of rape and sexual abuse against vulnerable children."
The report highlighted Wernham's "controlling, manipulative and distorted thinking," complete denial, no remorse, victim-blaming, and claims of a mistrial with "concocted" evidence.
Deeming him a high risk to children, Judge Counsell imposed a 30-year extended sentence: 24 years' imprisonment (serving at least two-thirds before Parole Board consideration), plus six years' extended license upon release.
This runs consecutively to a four-year determinate term, of which he serves half before the 24-year term begins.
Wernham must sign the sex offender register for life, comply with a sexual harm prevention order, and may be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.