Kentish Express Ashford & District
Man attempted to kidnap schoolgirl
A girl of 14 who was on her way to catch a bus to school was grabbed from behind in a “bear hug”.
When she turned round she saw Thomas Bevan standing there with a pair of handcuffs in his hand, Canterbury Crown Court was told.
The girl, who recognised Bevan, dropped her rucksack, which he was holding onto, and ran off.
When police went to Bevan’s home in Willesborough the following day they found the girl’s rucksack under his bed, along with two pairs of children’s handcuffs, twine, rope and string.
Bevan, 22, who is autistic, admitted attempting to kidnap the girl and the theft of her rucksack.
He also admitted possessing indecent images of children.
Dominic Connolly, prosecuting, said the offences happened in March. When Bevan was interviewed by police he said he’d bought the handcuffs two years earlier with the intention of kidnapping a female.
He set off from his home in Osborne Road, where he lives with his parents, with the handcuffs, gaffer tape, hat and gloves.
“He grabbed the girl from behind and tried to apply the handcuffs,” said Mr Connolly.
“He told police he intended to take her to an alleyway and touch her sexually.”
His laptops and a USB stick were seized by police and indecent images of children were found, some as young as six.
Search terms were also found which showed an interest in females being restrained with ropes, gags and tape, Mr Connolly said.
Bevan, who had no previous convictions, had also taken part in chat room conversations about kidnapping schoolgirls and had been encouraged to carry out a kidnapping.
Judge Heather Norton said: “He is a highly vulnerable young man, drawn into a situation by others who manipulated his vulnerability.”
Guy Wyatt, defending, asked the judge to allow Bevan to return to live with his parents.
“He is highly suggestible so the best place for him is not prison,” Mr Wyatt said.
“Life in prison is much harder for him.”
Judge Norton said the victim was extremely scared by the incident. She was scared of being alone and felt she was always being watched.
“The images on your devices make it clear that you have a sexual interest in children, torture and restraint,” Judge Norton said. “In my judgement you are dangerous but you are also very vulnerable.”
Bevan was jailed for a total of 22 months and was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
He was also given a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim.
He will pay a £140 surcharge and Judge Norton ordered the forfeiture of his laptops.