October 1998

Ex-DJ jailed for child sex attacks

A former BBC Radio Kent DJ has been jailed for 14 years for carrying out 41 sex offences against children.

Roger Pond, 46, of St Mary’s Road, Gillingham, Kent, pleaded guilty at his last court appearance to three counts of buggery on boys, 19 counts of indecent assaults on girls and nine counts of indecent assaults on boys.

The choir master and music teacher had also admitted 10 counts of taking indecent photos of children.

Judge David Griffiths, in sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, said: “The offences you have committed are a grave breach of trust which has brought sorrow and hurt to the victims and their families.

“In this case 14 young people fell victim to your sexual appetite over a period of four years and nine months. 

“During the period covered by this indictment you have systematically abused these children, rising to the buggery of two young boys.” 

Mr William Clegg QC, prosecuting, said Pond had sexually abused 14 children, aged between seven and 16. 

Judge David Griffiths, sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, said: “The offences you have committed are a grave breach of trust which has brought sorrow and hurt to the victims and their families.”