Peadophile pair jailed for life

Lee Wicks, Colin Wicks and Tina Butcher. Photo: Medway Messenger

Vile peadophiles Colin and Lee Wicks were Monday jailed for life after being convicted of a string of offences between 1993 and 2005.

The brothers, along with Tina Butcher, Lee Wicks’ former girlfriend, carried out sex offences that were, according to Judge Philip Statman, the “gravest committed against children”.

Lee David Wicks, 41, of Chapel Street Minster, Colin Edward Wicks, 46, of Castle Road, Chatham, and Tina Butcher, 42, of Collett Walk, Gillingham, were found guilty of “horrific” sexual acts on children as young as four by the jury after a seven-week trial.

When the sentences were read out, following statements from the Crown and the defence, and after Lee Wicks collapsed in a fit, the Court room was packed with family members of the defendants and victims, and even nine members of the jury. According to the News, Tina Butcher was crying in the dock, but neither of the brothers showed any kind of remorse.

In passing sentence, Judge Statman said:

It has been very important indeed that I as sentencing judge take a step back to ensure that each of you is dealt with fairly and justly. But I also have and overriding duty to protect small children and I am satisfied in this case beyond doubt that exemplary sentences are called for.

Both you, Lee and you, Colin have deprived those children of their childhood at a time when they were young and vulnerable.

The Collins Comment

I don’t often make it my place to report and comment on these kinds of local news stories. However, I do have a vested interest in this particular case.

Towards the end of last year, as part of my Law course, I (along with another member of my group) had to do a presentation on the workings of the Court – which first involved visiting a Court for a day.

For whatever reason, the case we decided to observe was that of Colin and Lee Wicks. It was about halfway through the seven-week trial and right from the start the details were horrific.

Even whilst we were present Lee Wicks had a fit and the Court room had to be cleared whilst he was seen to. And from where I was sat it looked as though neither of them cared about what they had done.

Even sat outside the Court room before the case and during the recess for lunch, none of them looked as though they cared about what they had done or what was likely to happen to them.

Whilst passing sentence, Judge Statman said that “It is impossible to forget the evidence that was given”. It was a horrifying way to start my exploration in to the workings of the law, and there is no doubt that I will never forget the evidence I heard on my one day.

To my mind, they deserve to spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Nine-and-a-half years is a grossly-unfair minimum sentence.