Search results for Kent

Description

A Folkestone man who raped two women and subjected both victims to a campaign of physical and sexual torture has been jailed for 20 years.

Harry Arnold, 38, formerly of The Street, Newington, was convicted of multiple sexual offences following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation
A report was made to Kent Police in February 2020 after a victim disclosed Arnold’s previous offending. Officers immediately commenced enquiries and Arnold was arrested two days later.

A second victim later came forward, who had also been forced by Arnold to endure repeated physical and sexual abuse.

Both women, who were unknown to each other, had become the subject of humiliation and degradation as the offender indulged extreme sexual fantasies without their consent.

A thorough investigation was completed by specialist detectives from the force, which involved gathering, examining and analysing complex evidence, including extensive digital forensic data.

Fifteen electronic devices were reviewed, alongside extensive medical records, and multiple interviews were carried out to obtain witness statements before a case file was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.

Charges

Charges were later secured against Arnold and, after pleading not guilty, he was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court of controlling and coercive behaviour in February 2025.

The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict for rape offences, leading to a second trial in March 2026.

Retrial

At the conclusion of the second trial, also at Canterbury Crown Court, Arnold was found guilty of a further eight offences including multiple counts of rape against both victims.

He was sentenced on Wednesday 13 May 2026 to 20 years in prison. He will serve an additional three years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole and will be subject to notification requirements of the sex offender register for life.

He was also issued with a restraining order and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable people indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lizzie Burridge, said:

‘The conclusion of this case has rightly resulted in a significant custodial sentence for a depraved sexual aggressor. It is a strong testament to the courage and resilience of Arnold’s victims, who endured unimaginable abuse and then faced the additional trauma of not one, but two trials, in order to see their attacker brought to justice.

‘It also reflects the tenacity and professionalism of Kent Police officers who worked on the investigation, over several years, meticulously building a complex case, resulting in justice for the victims and the removal of a dangerous offender from the community.

‘We remain committed to pursuing sex offenders and will always strive to ensure those responsible for such appalling offences are made to face the consequences of their crimes.’

Description

A Sittingbourne sex offender has been jailed after failing to comply with restrictions imposed on him while awaiting sentencing.

Nathan Uren first came to the attention of officers in 2021 after Kent Police received information that an indecent image of a child had been uploaded on to the internet and traced to his address. Officers seized the 24 year old’s phone, computer and laptop, finding various indecent images and videos.

Offending

Investigators also found conversations in which Uren had distributed an image, as well as sexual messaging with children aged between 10 and 15 where he posed as both himself and as a female child.

He continued offending while under investigation and in October 2023, Uren, of Ypres Drive, Kemsley, was charged with multiple sexual communication offences.

Awaiting sentence

In January 2024, he pleaded guilty to making and distributing indecent images of children and encouraging another person to take indecent images of children. He was released on conditional court bail awaiting sentencing.

During an unannounced visit to his home address in October 2025, officers found a mobile phone linked to multiple social media accounts using aliases that had not been disclosed to police. The device also contained 16 indecent videos of a child.

Guilty

He was further arrested and charged with making indecent photographs of a child and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements, which he later admitted to in court.

Uren was also found guilty of sexual communication with children following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and was jailed for 16 months at the same court on Tuesday 19 May 2026.

Detective Constable Carl Evans said:

‘Uren is a persistent offender, having repeatedly ignored the law and the strict conditions imposed on him.

‘Despite being under investigation and subject to notification requirements he continued to offend and made deliberate attempts to conceal it.

‘He has shown he continues to be a potential threat to vulnerable victims and is now starting a prison sentence as a result.’

Description

A child predator who pretended to be a teenage boy and bombarded 2 victims with sexually explicit messages has been jailed.

Connor Hurn, of South Park Road in Maidstone, began messaging a 14 year old in January 2022.

For 2 years he repeatedly targeted the victim, sharing indecent images of himself and demanding the victim to send similar content in return.

After being blocked from contacting the teen, Hurn set up social media profiles in which he falsely claimed to be 16 years old.

In September 2024, he used these profiles to target a second 14 year old in a similar manner.

This time he made demands for images of a more explicit nature.

Arrested
Hurn’s abuse was brought to a stop after just 4 days, when he was arrested by Kent Police, who had been made aware of his illicit online activity.

Officers seized his devices and a thorough investigation of the data contained within identified numerous other victims.

The 26 year old was later charged with:

• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Sending a photograph or film to cause alarm, distress or humiliation

Sentenced

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 14 May 2026. He was also made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Police staff investigator Lauren King said:

‘Hurn is a serial predator who repeatedly targeted young and vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification.

‘He created an online persona to lie to his victims and gain their trust before abusing them.

‘The lengthy custodial sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending and means he will be unable to cause further harm for the foreseeable future.’

Description

A registered sex offender from near Maidstone has been jailed after claiming that he was only talking to an underage girl to get her banned from a website.

Officers paid an unannounced visit to the home address of Darren Cross on Tuesday 3 February 2026. When they searched his phone, they discovered he had made new online profiles and hadn't disclosed the usernames to Kent Police, which is a failure to comply with his sex offenders register requirements.

They also found he had deleted his internet history and had attempted to sexually communicate with a child.

The 42 year old was arrested. During his custody interview, he tried to defend his actions by saying he was trying to find underage children on the site to report to the moderator so they would be banned.

However, officers had evidence that Cross sent multiple messages of a sexual nature to who he believed was a 13 year old girl.

Cross, from Ditton, was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two counts of failing to comply with the sex offenders register requirements and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Thursday 14 May 2026 at Maidstone Crown Court to two years' imprisonment.

Investigating officer PC Charlotte Wilson said:

'Cross is a manipulative individual who tried to cover up his crimes by deleting his search history and creating profiles under fake names.

'Not only that, but he came up with far-fetched lies and acted as though he was protecting children online, when in fact he was the one they needed protecting from.

'Although he didn't actually harm anyone, his intentions were clear and I'm glad to see him behind bars.

'It shows that we will monitor and manage sex offenders to ensure they comply with their conditions. If they don’t, we will make sure they are prosecuted.'

Description

A sex offender from Deal who stored and shared images of himself abusing a young victim has been jailed.

Joshua Mumby, 29, admitted to sexually assaulting a child after originally claiming the images had been manipulated.

Investigation

Kent Police was alerted to his offending in August 2025, when he was found to have uploaded multiple indecent images online and discussed the sexual abuse of children with other internet users.

An investigation by specialist detectives from the force was immediately launched, during which it was established that Mumby had carried out the sexual abuse depicted in the uploaded images.

Charged

He was arrested on 21 August 2025. Further enquiries, which included the examination of digital forensic evidence, found that Mumby had stored more than two hundred indecent images on his mobile phone of his own crimes.

He was charged the day after his arrest and, after originally pleading not guilty to sexual assault, changed his plea before Canterbury Crown Court.

Sentenced

Mumby, formerly of Freemens Way, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and two counts of taking indecent images of children.

He was sentenced at the same court on Thursday 30 April 2026 to a ten year extended sentence, which included six and a half years’ imprisonment, with three and a half years to be served on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

The offender will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will need to fulfil notification requirements for the sex offender register for life.

Detective Constable Claire Hall said:

‘This is a deeply disturbing case involving the exploitation of a vulnerable young victim and the sickening behaviour of a depraved individual. The swift work of our specialist officers, whose investigation uncovered the full extent of Mumby’s crimes, should be commended.

‘I’m pleased that this dangerous sexual predator is behind bars and that the restrictions in place at the end of his custodial sentence will serve to safeguard against future offending.

‘I also want to send a clear message to anyone who thinks they can commit offences like this online: you cannot hide behind a screen. We have the capability and determination to track you down, identify you and bring you before the courts. If you are involved in sharing or creating indecent images, you should expect to be made to face the consequences of your crimes.’

Description

Oscar Love, from Ramsgate, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for a series of violent crimes, including the rape of a woman.

On 7 June 2025, a woman sought refuge in a bar at Ramsgate Harbour after being assaulted by Love moments earlier on Ramsgate High Street. Police located him on Newington Road, where he resisted arrest, attempted to flee, and was later apprehended hiding in a garden.

The investigation uncovered multiple other incidents of threatening and sexually violent behaviour, leading to charges of two counts of rape and six additional offences.

Following a four-day trial, Love was convicted by a jury. He had already admitted breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, assault, and escaping lawful custody.

Detective Constable Chris Harvey said:  

"Oscar Love is a violent offender, who caused serious physical and mental harm to his victim. Tackling violence against woman and girls is a Kent Police priority and we will do all we can to bring offenders like him to justice. I urge any other potential victims or anyone with concerns about Love’s behaviour to contact Kent Police.

"I also want to commend the strength of the victim throughout this case. Her bravery and continued support with the investigation made the conviction received today possible."

Description

An 80-year-old child rapist has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Michael Merron was ordered to serve a 24-year sentence following a four-week trial in which a jury found him guilty of multiple child sex offences.

These offences included charges of rape, sexual assault of a child under 13 and indecent assault.

His offending was reported to have happened between 2002 and 2014 and involved three children.

Following the allegations officers launched an investigation. While making enquiries they identified a fourth victim who disclosed that between 1985 and 1986, when they were aged 18, Merron had also sexually assaulted them. The jury also found him guilty of this offence.

The pensioner, formerly of Halls Hole Road, Tunbridge Wells, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 30 April 2026.

As well as being sentenced to 24 years (23 years in custody and one year on licence) he was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alice Comben said:

‘Merron was a predatory opportunist who carried out his offending when he was alone with each victim, ensuring they felt isolated and he felt in control.

‘I want to commend the bravery of each victim. Their courage to disclose his offending has ensured his criminality has been exposed, and he will now spend a significant time behind bars.

‘Anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, or wishes to report a suspected offender, can do so in the knowledge that specialist officers will thoroughly and diligently investigate any allegations.’

Description

A Chatham child rapist has been jailed for more than 16 years.

Kent Police launched an investigation in July 2022, following a report regarding Jason Hartley committing multiple rapes and assaults against a child between 2001 and 2007.

A second young victim also reported the 55 year old had exposed himself to them on at least two occasions.

The Palmerston Road resident was later arrested and charged with 15 sexual offences.

Court

Hartley admitted multiple offences at Maidstone Crown Court on 23 March 2026 including counts of rape, raping a child under 13 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. A further five charges will lie on file.

At the same court on Friday 10 April, he was sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison with a further year on licence. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has also been issued and he is required to sign onto the sex offenders’ register.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Davies said:

‘Hartley’s predatorial behaviour has resulted in significant harm for his young victims, and this sentence and SHPO will ensure he cannot harm anyone else.‘I commend the bravery of his victim for coming forward and reliving their experiences in order to secure this outcome. We are satisfied that Hartley is facing the consequences of his offending.’

Description

A registered sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for deleting his internet browsing history.

In 2021, Nigel Edwards was convicted of making indecent images of children and became subject to strict conditions on his conduct. A 10 year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was put in place which included stringent restrictions around his use of the internet, specifically that he should not delete the internet history on any device.

On 18 January 2026, investigators made a regular visit to review Edwards’s laptop and were alerted to irregularities within his internet history.

The device was then seized and on 21 January he was arrested for breaching a sexual harm prevention order due to his internet browsing history being deleted.

Charged

Nigel Edwards, 54, of Flaxmans Court, Gillingham, was charged the same day and remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at Maidstone Crown Court and on Monday 23 March, Edwards was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. He will also continue to be subject to the remaining five years of his sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Harriette Barraclough said:

‘Court orders such as these are there so convicted sex offenders can be closely monitored and help us safeguard children.

‘As this case shows we will do everything within our powers to ensure offenders like Edwards face justice.’

Description

A registered sex offender, formerly from west Kent, has been jailed for a year after he used fake names to access social media.

In 2008, Ryan Page was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court of raping a woman and he was sentenced to six years and 10 months in jail.

Upon his release he was subject to conditions that included restrictions around his use of the internet.

In 2023, officers found he had been using social media platforms under false names. This included calling himself both ‘Jim White’ and ‘Ryan Wenham’ on Snapchat, and ‘Ryan Chantilly’ on Facebook.

Breaches

These were clear breaches of the notification requirements imposed by the court, and Page was tracked down at a hotel in Folkestone and arrested in November 2024.

The 38 year old, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with four counts of failing to comply with his sex offender notification requirements.

He denied the charges and, when he failed to appear for a trial in October 2025, was found guilty in his absence.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Page was located in Somerset on Monday 9 March 2026.

Sentenced

He was then sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on the following day. Police investigator Natalie Armstrong said:

'Anyone convicted of a crime which places them on the sex offenders register also has strict conditions placed on them when they are released back into the community.

‘Page showed a complete disregard for these restrictions when he used false names whilst accessing the internet. We have officers tasked with regularly checking offenders' conduct and where they identify any transgressions, the offender is swiftly brought back before the court to answer for their actions.

‘Page has shown that he continues to be a potential threat to vulnerable victims and he is now starting a prison sentence as a result.'

Description

A serial rapist claimed his 14-year-old schoolgirl victim stole his sperm to conceive his baby.

Jordan Lee Wilkins, 28, of Strood, Medway, Kent, repeatedly raped the girl up to three times a week over seven months in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, resulting in her pregnancy.

During his trial at the High Court in Kilmarnock, he denied the offences and told the jury: “That’s what she says. She’s lying. It’s my baby but I have no idea how she’s done this. She’s done what she needed to do to get hold of my sperm. I’m not sure how she managed to do it but she must’ve found a way to do so.”

The victim, who cannot be named, gave evidence via a 2022 video interview. She said Wilkins raped her repeatedly, ignoring her pleas to stop and clamping a hand over her mouth. “I kept telling him to stop but he didn’t listen,” she said. She only realised she was in labour when her waters broke and gave birth hours later to a boy. “I love him, he’s adorable. It is a shame how it happened – I don’t think about that when I see him,” she added. Her mother had given her dulcolax, believing she was constipated.

The jury took less than an hour to unanimously convict Wilkins of rape.

Lady Poole remanded him in custody for sentencing and told him: “You have been convicted of the forceful rape of [your victim]. She was only 14 and you were 10 years older. You did not use contraception, which resulted in the child being conceived. The consequences for your victim, of your behaviour, are long term and serious.”

She placed him on the sex offenders’ register. Wilkins showed no emotion as he was led away in handcuffs while his sister sobbed in the public gallery. The former tree surgeon, warehouse worker and delivery driver was convicted in November and will be sentenced at a later date.

Description

A Margate man who subjected a child to repeated sexual abuse over a sevenyear period has been jailed.

Edward Watson, formerly of Garrard Avenue, Margate, began abusing his victim in 1990 when he was around 13 years old and they were much younger. Over seven years, he repeatedly assaulted them, often locking them in a room before carrying out the offences.

Investigation

The abuse came to light in September 2023 after the victim disclosed what had happened to a trusted relative, who encouraged them to report it to Kent Police. Detectives launched an immediate investigation, and Watson was arrested three days later.

He was later charged with 12 sexual offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and unlawful sexual intercourse.

Sentenced

Watson denied the offences but was convicted on all counts following a 10day trial at Canterbury Crown Court. On Thursday 5 March 2026, the 49yearold was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life, and a restraining order has been imposed to protect the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Susan Kingsnorth, said:

‘Historic cases like this demonstrate that it is never too late to seek justice. Kent Police will always listen, we will always investigate, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders before the courts.

‘I also want to commend the bravery shown by the victim. Coming forward after so many years, recounting traumatic experiences, and supporting a lengthy investigation has ensured that this offender has been held accountable.’

Description

A Gillingham rapist who drugged and repeatedly abused a man he met online has been jailed following his death.

On Tuesday 21 May 2024, the 61 year old victim went to Derek Rowley’s home address in Beatty Avenue, Gillingham after arranging to meet online.

During the afternoon, both men took a cocktail of drugs, including crystal meth, ketamine and GHB before engaging in consensual sex.

CCTV from Rowley’s bedroom captured the entire incident and showed at 5pm the victim became unresponsive. Rowley is seen to administer a liquid from a syringe into the victim’s mouth before raping him numerous times.

This continued until 9.38pm when Rowley was seen to go downstairs to tell his relative someone had died in his bedroom. An ambulance was called at 9.53pm and when paramedics arrived they confirmed the victim was deceased.

Rowley was arrested at the scene and later charged with 11 counts of rape and administering a substance to stupefy. He denied the offences but a jury at Maidstone Crown Court found him guilty on all counts.

On Thursday 5 March at the same court, the 45 year old was jailed for 17 years.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Lee Neiles said:

‘This was a truly shocking and disturbing case. Rowley exploited the victim in the most appalling way, showing complete disregard for his welfare.

‘Thanks to the meticulous work of our investigation team and the evidence presented to the jury, Rowley has been held accountable for his actions and will now face a consideration amount of time behind bars.

‘Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time who have shown tremendous dignity throughout the investigation and trial.’

Description

Sam Levett, 34, from Gravesend, received a 15 year sentence after being convicted following a trial of multiple rapes and sexual assaults committed against a child between 2019 and 2020.

He must serve at least 10 years in custody before being eligible for parole and has also been made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Childs and Detective Constable Chris Taylor received commendations from the Judge for the quality of the investigation during a hearing at the Old Bailey on 16 February.

Description

Gordon Jackson, 69, of Marine Road, Deal, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to the sexual touching of a child.

Jackson was a private maths tutor and committed the offence during a lesson. He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on 17 February when he was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.