August 2023

Gravesend sex offender Thomas Hawkwood jailed for rape and indecently assaulting child

A “depraved” paedophile has been locked up after years of his child sex offending were uncovered.

Thomas Hawkwood, 69, was responsible for the rape and indecent assault of a child dating back to the 1990s.

He was arrested in November 2020 as part of an investigation by the Medway Vulnerability Investigation Team but denied any wrong doing.

Hawkwood, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend, was later charged with inciting a child into sexual activity, rape and indecent assault.

A trial took place at Woolwich Crown Court earlier this month where it was heard he had harassed his victim with threats of violence and abused them.

He was found guilty by a jury on eight charges.

On Monday he was sentenced to 14 years in prison and put on the sex offenders register.