Bernard High committed a string of offences over a six year period and his crimes were initially reported to Kent Police in September 2018.
This led to his arrest on 17 November 2018. A subsequent investigation resulted in him facing 16 charges, including multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. High, of Jenner Road, Rochester, denied the offences and the case went to trial at Maidstone Crown Court. On 31 October 2023, the jury unanimously found him guilty on all counts.
On Tuesday 9 April 2024, High, 67, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment and added to the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Sergeant Rachael Cheney, of the Medway Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: ‘High is a despicable individual who targeted the vulnerable victims over a several years and subjected them to the most appalling abuse.
‘I would like to thank both victims, who showed incredible courage in coming forward and then giving evidence at court. The crimes committed by High have had a long-lasting impact on their lives and I hope they can now move forward in the knowledge that their abuser is serving a considerable prison sentence.
‘We continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to contact the police. As shown in this case, it is never too late to report an offence. This will allow us to ensure those who target vulnerable young victims are held to account for their actions.’
