Latest Offenders Kent

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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.’

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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.’

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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.’

Description

A registered sex offender from Medway has been jailed again after police seized a secret phone containing more than 600 animated images depicting children being abused.

Stuart Wenham had only been released from prison in March 2025, when he ignored strict measures passed by the courts to prevent him from reoffending and accessed material which included the abuse of an infant under a year old.

Wenham had previously been convicted in 2023, for making indecent images of children.

When he was granted parole he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and had to comply with notification requirements linked to his use of devices and software.

Multiple breaches 

Shortly after his release, officers suspected he was using two phones but had only notified police about one of them.

He was arrested on 6 June and this led to the seizure of the unregistered phone.

When reviewed, it was found to contain a catalogue of ‘pseudo-cartoon’ images linked to the sexual abuse of children.

Wenham had also been illegally using a VPN and during previous checks by specialist officers who manage sex offenders had repeatedly failed to declare the phone.

Further evidence was revealed after a laptop was examined which Wenham had also kept secret. This showed prohibited use of cloud storage and the deletion of his internet history.

When questioned during police interviews, he told officers that in his mind the images showing abuse were not of real children and that they appeared to be happy.

Wenham, 47, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to multiple breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with notification requirements. He also admitted possessing a prohibited image of a child.

On 12 September 2025, he was described by the judge as ‘a dangerous man’ with a long record of appalling similar offences.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. 

Cartoons never an excuse

Leading the investigation was PC Leona Valsler, who said:

‘Wenham has been given every opportunity to change his ways but has chosen again to pursue and obtain abhorrent and disturbing material.

'Having cartoons, rather than real videos showing children being abused, can be no excuse and Wenham has repeatedly shown a flagrant disregard for the important measures and restrictions imposed to prevent him from reoffending.

‘This case demonstrates the vital work our officers and staff do to closely monitor and manage convicted sex offenders in our communities.

'Despite the challenges, we remain committed to using every available legal and investigative tool to prevent further harm, protect vulnerable children, and bring offenders to justice. Wenham’s actions are another reminder of why this work is so critical.’

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A horse-riding instructor has been jailed and made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order for offences against children.

Mitchell Hickey sexually abused two young victims, hitting one with a whip, and coerced a third into sending explicit photos.

Hickey, who carried out a string of targeted assaults between 2017 and 2019, also bombarded the girls with indecent videos via Snapchat, a platform known for automatically deleting messages once read.

Officers were alerted to the offending in January 2022 when an ex-member of the riding school, based in the Tunbridge Wells area, became concerned for other vulnerable girls under Hickey’s care.  

The riding instructor was arrested and, following a thorough investigation which included a review of his devices, he was charged with nine sex offences including sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and sexual communication with a child.

The 25 year old initially denied the charges, but later pleaded guilty to seven offences at Maidstone Crown Court.

Sentenced

Hickey was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment at the same court on Monday 22 September.

Investigating officer, DC Amy Mulrey, said:

‘Hickey abused his position of power to take advantage of young and vulnerable girls for his own gratification.

‘It is a rare instance in which an offender is made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which shows the seriousness of Hickey’s offending.

‘He acted with little thought to the impact of his actions on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of his victims.

‘We are grateful for the support of the victims and their families, and hope that the custodial sentence offers some comfort.’

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A 42 year old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction for the rape of two teenage girls in Deal.

Steven Biggs, of Owen Square, Deal, was found guilty of multiple offences following a three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The incident took place in the early hours of 4 August 2020 when Biggs encountered two girls, aged 13 and 14 outside of a residential property on Freemans Way, Deal. The victims had approached him in the front garden and asked him for a cigarette.

Upon inviting them into the house, Biggs coerced one of the girls into a bedroom and raped her. When the victim attempted to leave with her friend, who had been waiting outside the property, Biggs forcibly brought both girls back inside, where he carried out further rapes.

It was reported to Kent Police on 3 September 2020 that two teenage girls had been subject to a violent rape, after one of the victims disclosed the assault to a family member.

Following the report, detectives launched an immediate investigation into the allegations, which led to Biggs being arrested on 29 November 2020. He was later charged with 10 sexual offences, including three counts of rape.

During his three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Biggs refused to take the stand and declined to give evidence. The jury returned a unanimous verdict on 24 September 2025, and he was found guilty.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and restrictions imposed by a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Linda Gavin said:

‘This was a deeply disturbing crime involving the violent abuse of two young girls. Steven Biggs showed a complete disregard for their wellbeing and inflicted life changing trauma through his actions. I want to commend the bravery and courage that both victims have shown throughout this investigation, their contributions have played a vital part in delivering justice.

’Biggs is a violent criminal, and I am pleased that he has received a lengthy prison sentence that will prevent him from causing harm to any other potential young victims.’

Description

A predatory sex offender has been jailed for six years, having breached a previously imposed Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Jonah Albanese was arrested on Tuesday 18 March 2025 at his home in Snargate Street, Dover. As part of a previous sexual offence conviction in 2024, monitoring software had been installed on his devices and had alerted police of a potential breach.

A search was conducted of the property, uncovering two mobile phones owned by the 30 year old. One of these contained indecent videos of children and showed a conversation with a man in which Albanese attempted to arrange sex with two children.

At a Canterbury Crown Court hearing on Tuesday 22 April 2025, he admitted to nine charges including breaching his SHPO, failing to meet sex offender notification requirements, possessing indecent images of children and attempting to arrange the sexual assault of a child.

He was sentenced to six years in prison with an additional four years on licence at his sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 18 September 2025.

Detective Constable Nichola Shepherd said:

‘This sentence shows the effectiveness of SHPOs in monitoring sex offenders and preventing more children from becoming the victims of paedophiles like Albanese.

‘Albanese was well aware of the conditions of his order, and yet he continued with his actions regardless. I’d like to thank my colleagues for their thorough work in ensuring he faces the consequences of those actions.’

Description

A Medway rapist whose offending was disclosed by a young victim to a school worker has been jailed for 16 years.

George Payne-Woodham, formerly of Grange Road, Gillingham, was found guilty of multiple offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigation

It was reported to Kent Police on 26 September 2024 that a child had told a member of school staff that they had been subjected to sexual abuse over several years.

Specialist detectives from the force launched an immediate investigation and Payne-Woodham was arrested later that day. On 28 September 2024, he was charged.

The offender, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted on all counts by a jury of child rape, inciting a child into sexual activity and sexual assault of a child.

Jailed

On Friday 12 September 2025, Payne-Woodham, 21, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will have to serve at least two thirds of the custodial period before he is eligible for parole. Under the terms of an extended sentence, he will spend a further four years on licence when he is released.

He will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and restrictions imposed by a 25 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Conor Middleton said:

'Payne-Woodham is an abhorrent criminal who subjected a young victim to appalling sexual abuse on numerous occasions. I’m pleased he has received a lengthy sentence and that restrictions are in place to prevent further innocent children from becoming victims.

'I must praise the courage of the young victim in this case, whose disclosure to a trusted adult meant that we were able to investigate and bring to justice a dangerous sexual predator.'

Description

A convicted sex offender who repeatedly breached a court order by concealing an iPad containing child abuse images has been jailed.

Samuel Teubler, 29, from Tunbridge Wells, was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed by Maidstone Crown Court after his October 2022 conviction for making indecent photographs of children and possessing extreme pornography. He received an eight-month suspended prison sentence at the time.

The court heard this month that Teubler breached the SHPO twice in 2023 and 2024—avoiding jail both times—before being caught with the device in June this year. Police, suspicious of him hiding his face while driving, detained him initially for a drugs search, then discovered the iPad Air in his rucksack after checks revealed his offender status.

Prosecutor Sophie Childs said it was “clear” Teubler had been using the device, which he neither disclosed to his Violent and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) manager nor produced during inspections on May 7 and May 29. Analysis found 13 low-level abuse images on it, including depictions of a five-year-old girl’s bare genitalia and a naked 10-year-old boy.

Defence counsel Andrew Cohen said Teubler hid his face because he was “fed up being stopped” by police, citing his “quite difficult background” of being “effectively abandoned by his parents when young,” plus homelessness and poor mental health.

Teubler, of Holden Park Road, pleaded guilty to three SHPO breaches, one count of making indecent images, and breaching two suspended sentences for prior offences involving deleted internet history and undisclosed bank cards.

After being spared custody three times since 2022, Teubler was sentenced on September 8 to two-and-a-half years in prison. Judge Oliver Saxby KC said the latest offending was “aggravated substantially” by his previous convictions. Upon release, Teubler faces the same 10-year SHPO but indefinite sex offender notification requirements.

Description

Lengthy prison sentences have been given to three sexual predators who repeatedly raped a 12-year-old girl after she was lured into a car in Dover.

Kevin Horvath and Ivan Turtak approached their victim in a supermarket car park on Sunday 11 August 2024 before driving her to various locations and subjecting her to horrific abuse for several days along with a third offender, Ernest Gunar.

All were convicted of multiple child sex offences including rape following a trial earlier this year and were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 12 September 2025.

Horvath, 26, of King Street, Dover, and Turtak, 38, of George Street, were both jailed for 17 years whilst Gunar, 27, of Sidney Street, Folkestone, was sentenced to 19 years.

All three men, who are Slovakian nationals, will also serve an additional three years on licence under the terms of extended sentences.

Abused

It was revealed during the offenders’ trial that the girl was plied with drugs and alcohol whilst being repeatedly sexually abused, having first been taken to Turtak’s flat in Dover before then being driven to a caravan owned by Gunar in Folkestone.

She was told she would be killed if she raised the alarm or tried to escape but was eventually able to leave the caravan whilst the men were asleep on Tuesday 13 August and later opened up to Kent Police officers about the ordeal she had been put through.

House-to-house enquiries were immediately carried out, which led to the discovery of CCTV footage that showed the victim getting into a silver Skoda Fabia in the supermarket car park. The registration number of the vehicle was visible and traced to Horvath as the registered owner, who was arrested along with Turtak in the early hours of Thursday 15 August.

Gunar was then identified as the third offender and arrested three days later at Glasgow Airport in a failed attempt to escape justice.

All three were forensically linked to the offences whilst there was also an indecent image of the victim on Turtak’s mobile phone, which was taken inside his flat.

Courage

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Smith of Kent Police said:

‘Nobody should have to suffer sexual abuse like the victim in this case did and I would like to commend her for the strength and courage she displayed throughout the investigation and court process.

‘Kevin Horvath, Ivan Turtak and Ernest Gunar are clearly three very dangerous offenders who thought nothing about picking a child up off the street and effectively keeping her prisoner in order to fulfil their own depraved sexual needs. They will now be behind bars where they belong for a significant period of time, which I hope is of some comfort to the victim and her family as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

‘Incidents of this nature are fortunately very rare in Kent and I am extremely proud of every officer and member of staff who worked so hard to identify the offenders and ultimately bring them to justice, so they can cause no further harm to innocent members of the public.’