Kevin Horvath, 25, Ivan Turtak, 38, and Ernest Gunar, 27 (Pictures: Kent Police)
12 September 2025
Three men have been jailed for drugging and raping a 12-year-old girl over a three-day period.
Kevin Horvath, 26, and Ivan Turtak, 38, saw the victim in a supermarket car park in Dover on 11 August 2024 and encouraged her to get in their car.
She was then given drugs, including crystal meth and amphetamine, and repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted by them and a third man, 27-year-old Ernest Gunar.
Sentencing the trio, Judge Sarah Counsell told Canterbury Crown Court their victim still had nightmares, did not have any friends and did not feel comfortable around large groups.
Gunar was jailed for 19 years, while Horvath and Turtak were jailed for 17 years.
Gunar was convicted of two counts of rape against a child under 13; Turtak was convicted of one count; and Horvath was convicted of sexual assault.
Horvath had already admitted three counts of rape against a child under 13, and one charge of assault by penetration of a child under 13, and Gunar had also admitted one charge of rape.
Turtak initially denied rape but did admit taking indecent photos of a child.
Catherine Wear from the Crown Prosecution Service said the men had used the girl for “their own horrendous gratification”.
She said the girl was unable to tell officers what had happened as she was so scared.
“I don’t feel like the same girl anymore,” the judge said, relaying the victim’s words.
“I just want to be her again.”
‘No remorse’
During the three-day ordeal, the men told the girl she would be killed if she tried to talk to anyone or run away whenever they went outside.
The court heard that, while initially meeting the victim was random, their actions became organised and they moved between different addresses, including Gunar’s caravan in Folkestone.
The child was able to escape after waking up before them on 13 August and was found by police in Dover.
Her phone had been taken from her and was later found in Horvath’s car.
Judge Counsell said the three men had shown little or no remorse.
All three men will serve three years of an extended licence period.
They were also given restraining and sexual harm prevention orders.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87y13qqypdo
Scandinavian
The name Gunar is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Gunnarr, which means “warrior” or “brave in battle.” It is a masculine name that reflects strength and valor, often associated with individuals who are determined and fearless. The name Gunar is also linked to the elements “gunnr” (war) and “arr” (warrior), indicating a connection to the martial culture of the Norse people.
The surname “Horvath” is of Hungarian origin, derived from the word “horvát,” meaning “Croat,” and is commonly associated with ethnic Croats, particularly those who were refugees during the Ottoman Empire.
Eastern Europe
The surname Turtak has its origins in Eastern Europe, particularly among Slavic populations. It is believed to have originated from a diminutive or affectionate form of a personal name, possibly linked to the word “turtak,” which can refer to a turtle in some Slavic languages, symbolizing traits such as longevity and resilience. The surname is relatively rare, with the highest incidence found in Czech Republic and Slovakia, and it may have been associated with individuals who lived near water bodies or were involved in occupations related to fishing or agriculture. Additionally, some sources suggest that the surname may have Turkic roots, common in Turkish, Kurdish, and Azerbaijani cultures.