Michael Link 72

Description

A child rapist from Tonbridge has been jailed for life.

Michael Link was convicted of a catalogue of offences relating to the abuse of three victims over a period spanning more than four decades.

Kent Police was alerted to reports of repeated sexual abuse involving one of his victims in August 2019 and Link was arrested.

A lengthy and extensive investigation led by the West Division Child Protection Team revealed he had also targeted and exploited another young child for more than 10 years, between the 1980s and 1990s.

When a third victim came forward, detectives established Link was still offending in the days leading up to his arrest.

Lies

During police interviews Link denied any wrongdoing and claimed his victims had made ‘false allegations’.

He maintained his innocence during a trial at Maidstone Crown Court but was found guilty by a jury of 19 offences, including multiple rapes, indecent assaults, voyeurism, and sexual activity with a child.

Link, 72, of Audley Avenue, Tonbridge was sentenced on Thursday 28 August 2025.

He was jailed for life and will have to serve at least 15 years before he can be considered for parole.

The judge assessed him as ‘dangerous’ and, if he is ever released, Link will be subject to an indefinite licence and remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Depraved

Detective Constable Tania Muller said:

‘Link repeatedly subjected his young and helpless victims to depraved and sickening abuse. One of the children was as young as five years old.'

He is a predatory and dangerous child sex offender whose crimes will have had a devastating and lasting impact on the lives of all those he targeted.‘

I would like to thank and commend the bravery of the victims who have endured so much, yet have thankfully summoned the tremendous courage to support this investigation.

'The incredible strength they have shown means Link will almost certainly spend the rest of his life in prison.’