Paul and Pamela Higginson
A man and woman have been jailed for a total of more than 50 years for a series of sexual offences against girls.
Paul and Pamela Higginson, of Deal, were arrested by detectives from the East Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team after one of their victims came forward in 2016.
Following a thorough investigation, Paul Higginson, 72, was charged with multiple counts of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency relating to offences against girls in the 1980s, 1990s and 2010s.
The charges relate to assaults on four girls. He was also charged with possessing indecent images.
Pamela Higginson, 73, was charged with aiding and abetting rape and causing suffering to a child in the 1980s.
The pair were convicted of multiple charges following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court and, on Thursday 15 June 2023, Paul Higginson was jailed for 29 years.
Pamela Higginson received a 22-year sentence. Both will have to serve two thirds of their sentences before they are eligible for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Smith said: ‘The offences carried out by this couple were horrific and will have a long-lasting impact on their victims.
‘I hope the careful investigation carried out by my officers, and the long sentences now handed down, give the victims some sense that justice has been done.
‘I would like to pay tribute to their bravery and urge anyone who has suffered abuse or sexual violence to report it to police so we can keep you safe and bring perpetrators to justice.’
Click here for further information, advice and support relating to Violence Against Women and Girls. This page also includes details on how Kent Police is tackling offences including domestic abuse, stalking, harassment and other forms of violence.