Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Sex offender allowed to live near his victim

A SHOPWORKER has returned to the area where he sexually abused a young girl.

Days after sentencing, Racitharan Selladurai, 34, returned to the same neighbourhood as his traumatised victim.

The girl’s mum, who we are legally not allowed to identify, said she was petrified her daughter might bump into him.

Selladurai of Singlewell Road, Gravesend, was working in a shop last August when the girl popped in to buy an ice lolly.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how he put his hand down her top and touched her breast after allowing her to play with the shop till. He kissed her, saying he wanted a piece of her lolly “not from the packet but from your mouth”.

Prosecutor Hugh French said Selladurai threatened to deny it if the girl told, and when arrested, denied touching her indecently.

He “admitted kissing her” but claimed it was not sexual.

The victim’s mum, who saw CCTV footage of the 20-minute attack for the first time in court, said: “His hands were all over her.

“At one point he lifted her onto the counter and was basically snogging her.

“You could see my daughter’s face in horror.”

The court heard other incidents involving other children were also captured on CCTV.

These included stroking a girl’s face, touching a child’s bottom and masturbating while watching a young girl.

Sorry

Selladurai has now returned to live with his pregnant wife.

He said he was very sorry for what he had done and intends to move away as soon as his wife gives birth.

But his victim’s mother said: “If he’s back, the only option we’ll have is to move away, but what kind of justice is that?”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More