Margate Man Jailed for 1980s Child Sex Assault
Andrew Wilkes, 59, from Margate, has been locked up for 10 years for indecently assaulting a girl in the 1980s. The sex offender preyed on the victim’s low self-esteem during the abuse.
Guilty of Multiple Charges
Wilkes was found guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 19 February 2020 of two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. He was sentenced the following day.
Kent Police Investigated After Victim Came Forward
The offences dated back to the early 1980s in Ramsgate, where Wilkes was living at the time. The victim was under 16 when the attacks happened. Kent Police began their investigation in 2016 after the victim reported the crimes.
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery
“Wilkes’ offending has had a long-term impact on the victim which continues to this day,” said DC Lee Goodey, Kent Police’s lead investigator. “I want to praise her bravery during the investigation and trial. I hope Wilkes being brought to justice offers her some comfort.”
“Kent Police will always fully investigate sexual abuse reports, whether recent or historic. I urge anyone affected to come forward.”
