In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Tony Durham, 53, was jailed for 17 years for the grooming and repeated rape of a young girl. On appearing at Canterbury Crown Court, the defendant, of George Gurr Crescent, Folkestone, Kent, was sentenced following a trial where a jury unanimously found him guilty of oral and anal rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration, and sexual activity. It was reported that Durham, who ran the Kodak Express photography shop on Guildhall Street, used his business premises to isolate and attack his victim.
The investigation established the predatory and coercive nature of Durham’s conduct. Kent Police reported that Durham lured the girl into the basement of his shop to carry out the assaults. The prosecution reported that during these attacks, Durham would mock the victim, telling her she was enjoying herself and dismissively responding “yeah, you do” if she disagreed. The investigation further revealed that Durham had sexually assaulted a second victim, who was under the age of 11 at the time.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Durham was a remorseless offender who posed a significant risk to the public. Canterbury Crown Court heard how the first attack occurred on a Remembrance Sunday and that the abuse had a profound and sustained effect on both survivors. The investigation established that Durham maintained his denials throughout the trial and showed no insight into the harm he had caused, shaking his head in the dock as his victims watched from the public gallery.
Judge Simon James noted that the prolonged and serious nature of the offending demanded an extended sentence for the protection of the public. For his actions in Folkestone, Durham was handed a 20-year extended sentence, consisting of 17 years in custody and a further three years on licence. The judge noted that Durham’s lack of remorse and refusal to take responsibility made it impossible to suggest any likelihood of change in his behavior.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Tony Durham is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 17 years in prison (Sentenced 2019).
- Extended Licence: 3 years (Total 20-year extended sentence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court following a Kent Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape of a child under 13 (multiple counts); Assault by penetration; Sexual assault of a child under 11.
- Origin: George Gurr Crescent, Folkestone, Kent.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Durham is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny. Due to the nature of his conduct in Kent, which involved using a local business to groom and abuse children, his management is a maximum priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his life-long registration is a critical tool to ensure he is strictly monitored by police and probation services upon any eventual release to prevent him from ever operating a business with access to children or contacting his survivors.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Durham must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of predatory aggression in Folkestone necessitates permanent vigilance by local law enforcement. Any future attempt to approach a minor, fail to disclose his location, or breach the terms of his extended licence will result in immediate arrest and an instant return to the prison system.
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