Anil Gaind

A former head teacher from Bearsted, Kent, has avoided immediate imprisonment following his guilty plea to sexual assault on a young girl. Anil Gaind, aged 61, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on November 13, 2024, for an offence that marked a profound betrayal of trust and a devastating impact on his victim.

The court heard that Gaind, residing on Button Lane in Bearsted, engaged in inappropriate touching of the girl over her clothing. What began as a massage escalated into an act of abuse, described by Judge Julian Smith as 'sinister and chilling'. The incident, reported to authorities in March 2023, involved Gaind telling the child not to disclose the assault, warning her that 'everything would go wrong'. He later attempted to shift blame onto the victim and disputed the duration of the touching, though the judge emphasised that the exact length—whether five minutes or longer—did not diminish the harm caused.

Judge Julian Smith's remarks highlighted the gravity of Gaind's actions: 'She froze and, in a frankly chilling phrase, she said she "let you finish". She told you it was wrong and she was going to tell her mum. You asked her not to because you said "everything would go wrong." You put the blame on her for what you did and the consequences that followed from what you did. It was never her fault. None of this could ever be her fault. It was yours.'

The judge noted Gaind's impressive teaching career, which he pursued as a long-held ambition starting in his 40s, but described the offence as a 'spectacular fall from grace'. Gaind denied any sexual attraction to children following his arrest, and his career had already ended due to ill health prior to the incident, which was unrelated to his professional role. The court was told of the profound shame Gaind should feel for the life-changing loss of confidence inflicted on his victim, who 'lost her innocence' that night.

Despite the severity, Judge Smith opted against immediate custody, considering Gaind's background, character, and the potential benefits of probation service intervention over a short prison term. The sentencing details, as reported by KentOnline, underscore ongoing concerns about Gaind's risk level until he fully comprehends his behaviour.

• Offence: Sexual assault (paedophile-related touching of a young girl)
• Court: Maidstone Crown Court
• Reported: March 2023
• Source: KentOnline article by Julia Roberts, published November 21, 2024