Search results for Kent

Description

A prison sentence has been handed to a man who sexually assaulted a woman shortly after meeting her by chance in Margate.

Amer Mohammed carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday 10 August 2024, on the Promenade along Margate Seafront.

Investigations by Kent Police found the 24 year old had approached the victim, who was walking alone, and invited her to a party. However, after walking a short distance together, he sexually assaulted her.

She managed to escape him and flagged down a passing vehicle, which was being driven by an off-duty Kent Police officer. She was immediately taken to Margate Police Station and formally reported the incident.

Through conducting a number of lines of enquiry, detectives were able to identify the suspect as Mohammed, and he was located and arrested.

The Eritrean national, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged and on Thursday 9 October 2025 a jury at Canterbury Crown Court found him guilty of sexual assault following a 10 day trial.

On Thursday 18 December 2025, he was sentenced to 9 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court.

Detective Constable Chris Harvey, said:

‘This was a traumatic experience for the victim, and we commend the bravery she has shown throughout the trial. Thanks to her courage and the swift actions of our officers, we were able to secure a conviction and ensure justice was served for this violent, sexually motivated crime.

‘Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for Kent Police and we will use all of the powers available to us to prevent harm, support victims, and bring offenders like Amer to justice.’

Description

A 60-year-old sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for eight years for grooming a child over several years.

Andrew Stevens, of near Barnsole Road, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between 2008 and 2012.

He was arrested on 1 June 2023 after the victim came forward, denied the charges, but was found guilty after a trial and sentenced on Monday, 8 December 2025.

Sergeant Murray Tester said:

“Stevens targeted a vulnerable child for his own sexual gratification and has now been made to answer for his appalling actions.

“I would like to commend the victim for their bravery in coming to us and disclosing their abuse. Their courageous actions should serve as a reminder to anyone who has suffered this type of crime that it is never too late to contact us. You will be supported and steps taken to bring the person responsible for your ordeal to justice.”

Description

A homeless man from Maidstone has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a woman in a communal area next to a block of flats.

Thomas Underdown assaulted the victim after they had agreed to meet at an outbuilding that he slept in, close to St Peter’s Street.

The ordeal started at around 12.20am on 5 January 2024, when after they kissed the victim made it clear she did not consent to any further intimacy.

In response, Underdown repeatedly prevented the victim from getting up from a mattress he used and went on to abuse her.

The offences were reported to Kent Police on 9 January and Underdown was arrested on the following day.

Unanimous verdict

He was charged with rape and after pleading not guilty a trial was held at Southwark Crown Court, which led to him being convicted by unanimous verdict.  

On 5 December 2025, Underdown, 33, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

He will have to serve a minimum of two thirds of the sentence before he can apply for parole and was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order.  

Detective Constable Stuart Cook said:

‘This was a deeply traumatic ordeal for the victim, who showed immense courage in coming forward and supporting our investigation. She made it clear to Underdown that she did not consent, and her wishes were ignored in the most appalling way. Consent is never negotiable — no means no.

‘I hope this conviction brings the victim some sense of justice and reassurance that her voice has been heard. We have dedicated teams committed to supporting victims and ensuring those who do commit such appalling offences are held fully accountable.’

Description

A rapist from Folkestone who repeatedly targeted his victim has been jailed.

Lloyd Thomas, 58, was found guilty of five sexual offences following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Thomas committed the offences, including rape, over a three month period.

Investigation

The victim came forward and spoke to Kent Police in November 2024. Specialist detectives from the force launched an investigation and Thomas was arrested three days later. He was later charged.

Thomas, of Risborough Lane, Folkestone, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. He was convicted by jury of two counts of rape and three sexual assaults, as well as a harassment offence.

Sentenced

The offender was sentenced on Thursday 20 November 2025 to 10 years’ imprisonment and will spend a further four years on licence.

Detective Constable Gemma Chadwick said:

'Thomas is a dangerous sexual predator who subjected his victim to a campaign of dreadful abuse. I am pleased that the victim found the courage to come forward, so that we could investigate Thomas’ crimes and ensure that he was made to face the consequences of his actions. I hope the sentence that has been imposed will help to bring her a sense of closure.'

Description

A man has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for multiple counts of rape and administering a drug with intent.

Lee Hampton, 50, of Hollingbourne, Kent, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on November 13, after being found guilty by trial of seven counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of administering a drug with intent.

He must also serve a further six years on licence. 

The offences took place between January 2017 and October 2020 in Swindon and involved one victim, a woman in her 30s.

Across the four years, Hampton drugged the victim against her will on multiple occasions, crushing sleeping tablets up and putting them inside cold and flu tablets which she consumed, before raping her while she was asleep. He also attempted to spike her food with sleeping pills to facilitate his offending.

Hampton then shared videos and images of his offending with third parties.

In a moving Victim Personal Statement, she said: “The psychological damage cannot begin to be put into words, and I don’t know how to try and express the impact this has had on me.

“I worry for my future, that I will never be able to trust anyone again, that I will never enjoy a healthy relationship again, that I will never be me. 

“I still have daily flashbacks and nightmares, both of what happened and the unknowns."

After discovering Hampton’s actions, the victim bravely reported him to the police. He was investigated and subsequently charged and convicted.

Investigating officer DC Kolasinski said:

“There is no place in society for the horrific criminality that has taken place here. It represents some of the worst behaviour imaginable in humanity and has no place in this day and age.

“I would like to thank the victim for her unwavering bravery during this investigation and subsequent trial. Without this support, justice may not have been brought to the offender. The courage that she has demonstrated should be admired and inspire others to come forward should they fall victim in such an egregious circumstance. 

"Whilst this sentence cannot undo the horrific abuse that has taken place, I hope that this can in someway assist the victim gaining some form of closure.

“I would also like to highlight the diligent, determined, and relentless investigation that has been completed by Complex Crime Investigator Gemma Sole. Whilst she has since left the Force, she supported the victim throughout this investigation and ensured that justice was provided to the victim.” 

Description

Andrew Cullis, of Lynden Way in Swanley, was found to be in possession of a USB containing explicit images of children during a routine sex offender management check in February 2025.

The 43 year old was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 October.

Description

A child predator has been sentenced to prison after attempting to meet a teenage boy for sex.

Stephen Sussams, 62, travelled from his home with the intention of sexually abusing a teenage boy he had targeted through social media.

The grooming began on 4 July 2025, when Sussams initiated contact through a messaging platform. He gained the child’s trust by discussing everyday topics before escalating to sexually explicit conversations.

Over the course of two weeks, Sussams sent numerous graphic messages through platforms including Snapchat. He repeatedly requested indecent images of the child and described the sexual acts he intended to carry out if they were to meet in person.

Arrested

On 23 July 2025 Sussams was arrested as he waited for the child to arrive. Upon his arrest he refused to give attending officers the password to his phone.

He was charged the same day with multiple offences, including arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Sentenced

On Wednesday 12 November 2025, Sussams, of Biggins Wood Road, Folkestone, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. Upon release, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be placed on the sex offender register.

Detective Constable Jess Meadway said:

‘This was a thorough and swift investigation, which enabled us to apprehend a dangerous offender quickly. Sussams’ actions were deplorable, and his arrest sends a clear message that Kent Police will pursue offenders relentlessly.

‘We remain committed to ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held fully accountable for their actions.’

Description

An East Malling man has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping a woman who had passed out following a night out in a pub. 

Steven Moore exploited and abused his vulnerable victim after they left the premises and he took her to a nearby residential property. 

The incident happened in 2017 and was reported to Kent Police in March 2023, when Moore was arrested.

Intoxicated and confused

An investigation established that prior to the rape, the woman had previously engaged in small talk with Moore who was acquainted with someone she knew.

During an evening between November and December 2017, the victim encountered him at the (former) Rising Sun pub in Mill Street.

They consumed several drinks and she became intoxicated and confused. The victim recalled that after accompanying Moore to a different property she blacked out and woke up to find him raping her.

Moore, now 67, of Stickens Lane, East Malling was charged with rape and pleaded not guilty. A trial was held at Maidstone Crown Court and a jury convicted him by unanimous verdict.

On 7 November 2025, Moore was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

Never too late to report abuse

Detective Sergeant Mike Williams said:

‘Steven Moore deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman, exploiting her trust and intoxicated state to subject her to a truly horrific ordeal.

'His actions were clearly calculated and the impact on the victim has been profound. She has found it difficult to come forward but her tremendous courage has now thankfully ensured Moore has faced justice.

‘We know how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to report such abhorrent and damaging offences, especially when so much time has passed. I hope this case demonstrates that no matter when offences have happened you will always be listened to, believed and supported.’

Description

The victim of a violent and sexual assault has seen her attacker jailed for 12 years.

Danny Bailey forced his way into the victim’s property in Rochester during the early hours of 28 June 2024. The woman had opened the door believing it was a neighbour, but Bailey pushed her back inside and made threats to kill her.

He then raped the victim and physically assaulted her, leaving her with cuts to her lip and scratches on her neck.

The victim managed to escape and lock herself in an upstairs bedroom, where her screams were heard by a neighbour who called police.

Arrest

Bailey had fled the scene before officers arrived but was arrested shortly afterwards at his home in Brompton Lane, Strood. He claimed he had been there all night watching television.

The 42 year old was found guilty of rape, intentional strangulation, threats to kill, and actual bodily harm, following a trial.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 23 October 2025, Bailey was sentenced to 12 years in prison with an extended licence period of two years.

Detective Constable Devon McKee, who led the investigation, said:

‘This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who showed immense courage both during the attack and throughout the investigation.

‘Bailey’s actions were calculated and violent, and the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of his crimes. We hope this outcome provides some measure of justice and reassurance to the victim as she continues to recover.’

Description

Charles Liburd (27/07/1961) of Quarry Road, Maidstone, Kent, has been sentenced today at Manchester Square Crown Court after being found guilty of 11 counts, including indecent assault and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years.

He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, with an additional two years on licence. This sentencing comes after two brave women reported the offences that occurred from 1986 – 1994. 

In May 2021, the first victim came forward to report a series of incidents where Liburd sexually assaulted her in her home from the age of 7 – 9-years-old. The victim disclosed the countless times Liburd touched her and forced himself on her. She opened up about the impact this has had on her and her mental-health long term, which is why she decided to come forward and report the offences.

In September 2023 during the investigation into Liburd, officers from our Longsight District Investigation Team were able to identify a second victim. She courageously stepped forward and reported against the same perpetrator, who raped and continuously assaulted her from the ages of 7 – 11-years old.

The victim described multiple instances where she had been sexually assaulted by him despite her pushing him away, and she recalls a time when she was raped in her sleep in her own bedroom and woke up to him on top of her.

The bravery of both victims sharing their stories led to Liburd being issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order prior to his trial, safeguarding both victims and multiple other girls across Greater Manchester. Liburd showed no remorse during his trial, and when questioned, accused both girls of lying, which officers and the jury did not accept and ensured they secured his sentence at trial.

In her victim impact statement, one of the women shared with the court the damaging and lasting impact this has had on her and her family’s mental health over the years and why she has chosen to come forward to get the justice she deserves:

“The trauma has followed me into adulthood, causing me mental health and shaping who I am and how I see the world today. The scars and trauma will never completely go away.

“I find it difficult to build close relationships and even when people show me kindness, I question their intentions.

“I have felt weak for not speaking out sooner, with that comes feelings of guilt for not protecting other potential victims. What I have come to understand is I was a child, the silence was not weakness, it was survival.

“The guilt I have carried for nearly my whole life it was never mine to hold. It belonged to my abuser Charles Liburd, who has shown no remorse or accountability for his actions nor the mental torture he inflicted on me and my family.”

Detective Sergeant Kerry Batchelor from GMP’s District Investigation Team in South Manchester said:

“Regardless of when reports are made, our officers are committed to solving these crimes and ensuring the public feel they have a safe space to report any incident.

“Both girls were able to come forward when they were ready and disclose the abuse they suffered, and our officers will work tirelessly to ensure all victims get justice, no matter when the offences take place.

“It is our hope that both women will be able to finally feel safer after this sentencing and begin to move forward for themselves and their families.

“Protecting our children is a key priority at GMP and we hope that this encourages anyone who has been abused or assaulted to always come forward and report.”

Description

A sex offender convicted of multiple counts of indecent exposure in Tonbridge has now been made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Daniel Wood was responsible for a series of incidents in the town between June 2023 and March 2024, when victims reported seeing him deliberately exposing himself underneath women’s clothing.

Multiple victims

The offences happened in and around locations including Priory Wood, Silver Close and Hilltop and victims included women and a child.

Wood, 34, of Baltic Road, Tonbridge was arrested on 9 April 2024.

He pleaded guilty before Medway Magistrates’ Court to three counts of exposure and failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice.

After being remanded by the courts, Wood spent several months in prison before he was released on bail, pending sentence.

In June 2025, he was arrested and remanded again after breaching bail conditions.

Strict requirements

A sentencing hearing took place on 5 November at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court, where Wood was ordered to adhere to strict requirements of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

These include:

• Wearing at least one layer of non-transparent clothing, covering his lower body at all times when in the public domain.
• Being prohibited from approaching or engaging with any unknown female by themselves in a public place.
• Entering any alleyways, public footpaths, public bridle ways or woodland within an exclusion zone.

Sergeant Dan Bartlett said:

‘Wood has been convicted of very serious offences which have caused considerable anxiety and distress in the community. He wore distinctive clothing intended to attract the attention of passing women and children and then exposed himself to victims, sometimes jumping out in front of them to cause the greatest amount of alarm.

‘This CBO will enable our officers to manage and monitor his movements and conduct even more effectively and hopefully also ensure there are no further victims forced to endure his deplorable behaviour.’   

Description

A violent abuser from Medway has been jailed for 15 years after subjecting his victim to a series of attacks and rapes.

Billy Cass, 34, of Rainham High Street, raped his victim multiple times including while she slept. He also sent threatening messages to her and assaulted her.

Court

A Southwark Crown Court jury found Cass guilty of four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of actual bodily harm. He had previously admitted a charge of harassment with fear of violence.

Being sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday 5 November 2025, Cass was jailed for 15 years and will be added to the sex offenders’ register for life. He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order against his victim.

Statement

Investigating officer Detective Constable Stephanie Wilson said:

‘The abuse suffered by the victim in this case was horrendous and sustained. Cass’ horrific actions have led to serious harm and will no doubt have a long lasting impact on the victim.

‘We commend the bravery of the victim in coming to us and disclosing her experiences. The detail of her account has led to the sentence we see today. We’re satisfied Cass will spend a considerable time behind bars, where he will hopefully reflect on the cruelty he has unleashed.’

Description

A sex offender from Gillingham who targeted three vulnerable children has been jailed for 22 years.

Roy Humphreys initially abused two young boys in the 1970s through his association with one of their relatives. He befriended them and gained their trust before committing multiple sexual offences. 

A third victim suffered a similar fate around 30 years later. Humphreys gained access to the young child and abused them over an extended period.

His last victim disclosed their ordeal to a trusted relative in 2020, and the police were contacted. Humphreys was detained by detectives on 18 December.

Following his arrest, the previous two victims came forward and gave details of their abuse to investigators.

Humphreys, of Broadway, Gillingham was later charged with 18 sexual offences against children including rape, gross indecency and indecent assault.

He pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury of 17 of the indictments on 20 June 2025. On Wednesday 15 October, the 82-year-old was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court.

The criminal is already subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in place indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Davies, said:

‘Humphreys is a vile sexual predator who gained the trust of three young children before committing multiple offences. The appalling impact of his crimes on their lives has been significant and cannot be overstated.

‘I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward to ensure this man has been brought to justice for his decades of offending. I hope this sentence encourages others who have suffered similar abuse in the past to contact us. Our specialist investigators will listen to you and take steps to hold the criminal to account for their actions, no matter how long ago it took place.’

Description

A sex offender who subjected a child to prolonged abuse in Margate, beginning in the early 2000s, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Stephen Rilley, 63, of Hastings Avenue, Margate, was found guilty of multiple offences after a Kent Police investigation was launched in January 2025, prompted by the victim coming forward and making a report.

Investigating officers learned that Rilley had used threats of violence to silence and maintain control over the victim, as well as regularly administering sleeping tablets. The abuse spanned nearly two decades.

Rilley pled guilty to 11 charges including multiple counts of rape in August 2025. On Thursday 16 October 2025, he was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment and will serve an additional three years on licence under the terms of an extended sentence. He will also remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Chris Radley said:

‘This sentence reflects the gravity of the offences committed and the extent of the suffering endured by the victim over many years. I am pleased that such a depraved man has been brought to justice.

‘I would like to praise the victim for the courage she has shown in not only coming forward, but for her continued involvement in a challenging investigation.’

Description

An East Malling sex offender injected a child with drugs during a campaign of horrific abuse which included multiple rapes.

Lee Balchin has now been sentenced to prison after he also forced his young victim to consume cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets and alcohol.

Balchin repeatedly preyed on the child between 2000 and 2004. He carried out the abuse in several locations, which included ‘hideouts’ in remote places.

The offences were initially reported to Kent Police in 2018 and Balchin was arrested.

An investigation revealed he regularly plied the child with drugs, which included injecting her with amphetamine. The substances and alcohol would sometime render his helpless victim almost unconscious. 

Court trial

Balchin, 55, of Carnation Close, East Malling was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.

A lengthy court process led to a trial in August 2025 when he was found guilty of two charges of rape and two further counts of indecent assault. 

On Monday 13 October 2025, Balchin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 15 years' imprisonment.

He will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.  

Callous depravity

Detective Constable Lisa Roots said:

‘Balchin is an extremely dangerous individual who subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing catalogue of appalling and terrifying abuse.

'It is certainly rare to encounter a case where an offender has demonstrated levels of such callous depravity. He took her to isolated areas where he knew he wouldn’t be disturbed and also made threats to kill her.

‘The impact of Balchin’s offending is incalculable, and yet the victim has summoned such tremendous courage to come forward. Their strength has been instrumental in helping us bring him to justice and I do hope this sentence will provide some comfort.’