Three individuals have been sentenced to a combined total of 53 years in prison for kidnapping a 12-year-old girl from an Asda car park and subjecting her to a 72-hour rape ordeal while under the influence of drugs. Kevin Horvath, aged 26, Ivan Turtak, aged 38, and Ernest Gunar, aged 27, were found guilty after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court. The prosecutor described how the young victim was mistreated and discarded like an object by the perpetrators.
Following the convictions, the parents of the girl expressed how their daughter, who was once confident and outgoing, has now become fearful and traumatized. The girl was coerced into a vehicle at an Asda car park in Dover, given drugs such as crystal meth and amphetamine, and repeatedly assaulted by the three men over the course of two days.
The harrowing ordeal finally ended when the girl managed to escape through a window, despite being threatened by the men. The prosecutor highlighted the defendants’ cruel and exploitative behavior towards the victim.
The girl’s parents shared the profound impact the incident had on their daughter, who now struggles with fear and anxiety. The parents emphasized how they had always been cautious about their daughter’s safety and never allowed her much freedom. During the trial, it was revealed that the abuse took place at multiple locations, including a caravan in Folkestone.
Despite the defendants’ attempts to deny the accusations, they were found guilty of various charges, including rape and sexual assault of a child under 13. The girl’s bravery in escaping and recounting the traumatic experience was commended by her family.
Today, Turtak and Horvath were each sentenced to 17 years in prison with an additional three years on extended licence, while Gunar received a 19-year prison term with an additional three years on extended licence.