Three individuals who abducted a 12-year-old girl from an Asda parking lot and subjected her to a 72-hour ordeal involving rape and drug administration have been sentenced to a combined total of 53 years in prison. Kevin Horvath, Ivan Turtak, and Ernest Gunar were found guilty after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, where the prosecution described the young victim as being exploited and mistreated.
Following the conviction, the parents of the girl expressed the significant negative impact the traumatic experience had on their daughter, noting her drastic change in behavior and heightened fearfulness. The perpetrators enticed the girl into their vehicle at an Asda parking lot in Dover, Kent, where she was drugged with substances like crystal meth and amphetamine and subjected to repeated sexual assaults over the course of two days.
The harrowing ordeal finally came to an end when the brave girl managed to escape through a window despite threats from the perpetrators. The prosecution emphasized the callous and degrading treatment the girl endured at the hands of the defendants, highlighting their exploitative behavior.
The victim’s parents shared how their daughter, who previously enjoyed independence, now struggles with fear and anxiety, needing constant reassurance and support. The traumatized girl initially tried to conceal the abuse but eventually confided in her parents, leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators.
The court proceedings revealed the extent of the abuse that took place across multiple locations, with the defendants facing charges related to the rape and assault of a child under 13. Despite attempts to deny involvement or shift blame, all three perpetrators were convicted of heinous crimes against the young victim.
The parents commended their daughter’s courage and resilience throughout the distressing investigation process, which included invasive medical examinations and stringent precautions to prevent infections. Reflecting on her escape, the girl’s mother praised her daughter’s bravery and quick thinking in freeing herself from the traumatic situation.
Today, Turtak and Horvath received sentences of 17 years each, with an additional three years on extended licence, while Gunar was sentenced to 19 years in prison, also with an additional three years on extended licence.