A child rapist from Rainham in Medway, Alan Vinten, has been imprisoned for a series of sexual acts committed over 50 years ago against children.
Alan Vinten systematically exploited his victim throughout the 1970s, beginning when she was at nine years old.
The abuse occurred over a year and was initially reported to Kent Police in November 2021.
Due to the timing of the offences, Alan Vinten was prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. These encompassed indecent assaults and unlawful sexual relations with a minor.
Alan Vinten refuted any misconduct; nonetheless, after a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, he was convicted on all eight counts.
Now 78, Alan Vinten, of Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham, Gillingham was sentenced on 4 April 2025 to 17 years’ imprisonment.
He will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can apply for parole and will be subject to an additional licence period of a year.
Detective Constable Laura Bowness said:
‘Alan Vinten is a predatory paedophile who subjected his young and vulnerable victim to the most appalling and terrifying campaign of abuse.
‘The victim felt she had nowhere to turn and only in recent years has been able to thankfully summon the strength and courage to give evidence and ensure Alan Vinten has at last faced justice. ‘The abuse suffered continues to have a profound and deep impact on much of her adult life, but I do hope she can now move forward from this knowing Alan Vinten will be serving a lengthy prison sentence.’
I hope this sentence also encourages others who may have suffered abuse to come forward because it is never too late to report a sexual offence. You will be believed.’
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