Croydon man Grant Venamore raped and abused children

Grant Venamore’s campaign of abuse spanned more than 15 years after it began in the 1990s. 

He abused two children, one of whom was first targeted when they were just four-years-old. 

The offences took place in Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood in Kent. 

Detective Constable Tania Muller, of the West Kent Child Protection Team, said: “Venamore repeatedly subjected his young victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives.  

“His actions have not only had a destructive effect upon their childhoods but will have sadly left a damaging and lasting impact on their adult lives.” 

The 48-year-old sex offender was arrested in August 2020 when the abuse was first reported to Kent Police. 

Venamore, of London Road in Croydon, denied any wrongdoing but a unanimous jury found him guilty of 11 counts relating to the sexual abuse and rape of children. 

Judge Philip Statman, who sentenced Venamore at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday (June 18), said he was a dangerous offender who was responsible for persistent, violent, sexual abuse. 

Venamore was jailed for 16 years. 

Grant Venamore (Image: Kent Police) DC Muller said: “It has taken enormous strength and courage for these victims to come forward and provide the evidence and testimony needed to ensure Venamore has now faced justice for these abhorrent crimes. 

“This sentence will ensure Venamore serves a long time in prison and importantly no longer poses a threat to any other children. 

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence to remember that it is never too late to report this to the police. 

“We have a team of specialist officers who work relentlessly to ensure that offenders like Venamore do not evade justice, just because a crime may have happened a long time ago. We will always treat any information with the upmost confidence and sensitivity.”