A Croydon paedophile raped and sexually abused two victims in Kent, including a four-year-old, a court heard. Grant Venamore was jailed for 16 years for a series of sex offences against children in Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood which spanned over a decade. He was arrested in August 2020 by Kent Police and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, June 18.
The 48-year-old predator, of London Road in Croydon, denied any wrongdoing and the case went to trial. He was found guilty by unanimous verdict of 11 counts of child sexual abuse, including multiple rapes. At the sentencing, Judge Philip Statman concluded he was a dangerous offender responsible for ‘persistent, violent sexual abuse’.
It means he must serve two thirds of his sentence before he is eligible for parole and must complete an extended license period of three years. The judge also issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to protect the public.
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‘Depraved and sickening’
Detective Constable Tania Muller, of the West Kent Child Protection Team said: “Venamore repeatedly subjected his young victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives. His actions have not only had a destructive effect upon their childhoods but will have sadly left a damaging and lasting impact on their adult lives.
“It has taken enormous strength and courage for these victims to come forward and provide the evidence and testimony needed to ensure Venamore has now faced justice for these abhorrent crimes. This sentence will ensure Venamore serves a long time in prison and importantly no longer poses a threat to any other children.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence to remember that it is never too late to report this to the police. We have a team of specialist officers who work relentlessly to ensure that offenders like Venamore do not evade justice, just because a crime may have happened a long time ago. We will always treat any information with the upmost confidence and sensitivity.”
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