A child rape victim whose abuser has been jailed for three-and-a-half years told a court that after decades of feeling shame and guilt, she was able to “find my voice and fight for the truth”.
In a moving statement read at the sentencing hearing of paedophile Gary Pallin, the woman described how his deviant conduct had not only robbed her of her innocence and dignity but also her life.
She said the effect of the sexual abuse she suffered was “so overwhelming” that it impacted her education, relationships and health, both physically and mentally.
But having given evidence at Pallin’s trial at Maidstone Crown Court earlier this year, the woman said she felt pride at finally speaking out and achieving justice.
Pallin, of Caesar Avenue, Kingsnorth in Ashford, had denied a number of sexual offence charges – including rape – but was found guilty by a jury of them all.
Prosecutor Amy Nicholson detailed how the defendant was a teenager at the time he committed the crimes.
Although the victim confided in several people over the years, it was not until 2021 that police became involved and Pallin was arrested.
As well as giving a ‘no comment’ interview and denying the offences once charged, he also accused the victim through his legal team at trial of making up the allegations.
Furthermore, the packed courtroom at his sentencing hearing was told that he has continued to “vehemently” maintain his innocence since his conviction in May.
But on jailing the now 58-year-old, Judge Gareth Branston said that despite his age at the time, Pallin must have realised he was causing harm and yet “carried on regardless” for his own sexual gratification.
Referring to the assertion that the victim had lied about the abuse, the judge told an impassive Pallin: “During the trial, (the victim) was appalled by the suggestion made by your defence that this was a fiction.
“She said ‘Why would I make it up?’ and, of course, she didn’t make it up. She buried it for many years, and counselling made her realise she didn’t have to bury it any longer.
“I have read and listened to her victim impact statement. She felt the worst thing that could happen was people finding out.
“She spent years pretending nothing happened and squashed her feelings.”
Highlighting the psychological consequences of the abuse, the judge continued: “She simply wants you to be accountable for your actions so you can feel the guilt and shame.
“She notes you show no genuine remorse, and she has had to go through the ordeal of a trial.
“But she is rightly proud now that she has found her voice and fought for the truth.”
In her impact statement, the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, described how she was “exploited and traumatised” by her abuser, and to this day continues “to grieve for the life I lost and the life I should have had”.
I would feel shame, guilt and fear that didn’t belong to me – now I feel pride that I found my voice and fought for the truth…
“I would feel shame, guilt and fear that didn’t belong to me”, she wrote. “Now I feel pride that I found my voice and fought for the truth.”
In deciding the appropriate punishment, Judge Branston explained that he had to sentence Pallin according to his age at the time.
He also accepted that he may not have “fully appreciated” the effect of his behaviour or been “fully capable” of understanding the stress and pain caused.
The court heard that Pallin had lived a law-abiding life otherwise, and provided significant care for his mother who, along with his wife and many others, had written 15 references describing him as a “decent, honest, trustworthy, kind and considerate” man.
This prompted Judge Branston to comment that there were “many positive attributes” to his character and that he had lived an “exemplary life” in adulthood.
But referring to a pre-sentence report prepared by probation, he added: “It is disappointing, to say the least, that you continue to vehemently deny the offences.
“You have demonstrated no acceptance of responsibility, no empathy for your victim and no insight into the impact of your offending.”
Pallin, who mouthed “I love you” to those sitting in the public gallery in support, will be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements on his release.
