Latest Offenders Kent

Description

A Rochester man who sexually abused a child has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Marty Hunter committed the offences over 3 years, often threatening the victim they would get into trouble if anyone was told what was happening.

The victim reported the abuse in 2021 after listening to advice in an NSPCC presentation.

Hunter was interviewed, denied the allegations, and was subsequently charged with 13 offences including rape and sexual assault.

The 56 year old of Sir Evelyn Road pleaded not guilty and was convicted on all counts following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Friday 25 September 2026, Hunter was jailed for 21 years and will serve another year on licence upon his release. He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Thabi Hollingsworth said:

‘Hunter targeted the victim over a period of years. He subjected them to the most appalling and terrifying campaign of abuse, using threats to stop them reporting it.

‘The victim has been incredibly brave in coming forward and giving evidence, having to relive their ordeal. I hope that they can now move forward knowing Hunter will be serving a lengthy prison sentence.’

Description

A Minster-on-Sea man has been jailed for raping two children.

Martyn Hall, 48, was arrested in May 2021 the same day his offences against one of the victims were reported to the police.

During the course of enquiries, a second victim was identified and Hall was subsequently charged with several offences, including rape and sexual assault of a child.

While awaiting trial, Hall was made subject to an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Officers regularly checked his compliance with the conditions and, in August 2025, uncovered indecent images of children on his phone.

Court

Hall was further charged with this offence and pleaded not guilty to all the indictments at Maidstone Crown Court. He was convicted following a trial and sentenced on Friday 25 September 2026 to 15 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.

When he becomes eligible for parole, Hall will serve a further one year on licence. He was also given a 15-year SHPO and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Jessica Grigson said:

‘Hall put two young victims through an appalling ordeal and at no time has shown any signs of remorse.

‘I would like to commend his victims who bravely supported us throughout our investigation and the court proceedings. The strength of the evidence they provided allowed our officers to build a case that led jurors to rightly convict him.

‘I hope his victims can now find some closure now this criminal is behind bars for some time’

Description

A Sheerness child abuser who bragged of raping his victims online has been jailed for 22 years.

Earlier this year, David Hooper had been convicted of 17 offences including rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Crimes

Hooper molested and raped two victims between 2004 and 2013, later bragging about his crimes on private chats.

During this same period, he strangled another girl and subjected her to physical torture, including making her do gruelling exercises until she would throw up.

When Hooper, who lived in the Marine Town area, was arrested on 6 September 2025, four extendable batons, a knife and a zombie knife were also located in his home.

Court

The 57 year old denied having committed any crimes but a Maidstone Crown Court jury unanimously convicted him on Monday 15 June 2026 of all 17 counts.

At the same court on Friday 25 September, he was sentenced to 22 years in jail with a further 6 years on licence. Hooper was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be put on the sex offenders’ register.

Investigating officer DC Lucas Melella said:

‘These victims went through sustained horrific abuse and Hooper’s depravity will have lifelong consequences for them.

‘Boasting online of his crimes demonstrates not only his remorselessness but also his pride in having committed these sickening crimes.

‘The length of his sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending, and we are satisfied he will now spend a significant number of years behind bars where he can’t harm anyone else.‘We commend his victims for their bravery and strength throughout this process and we hope this prison sentence will give them some sense of justice.’

Description

A victim-survivor of sexual assault has described how she ‘has been taking life one day at a time’ as her abuser is jailed.

The secondary-school-aged girl was sexually assaulted in the South Tyneside area by Harry Gray, now 24.

Gray sexually assaulted the teenager initially as she slept before physically overpowering her once she awoke and made attempts to get him to stop.

Now, speaking out, the victim-survivor has shared how the effects of Gray’s crimes have had a lasting impact on her life.

She said:

“I have had entire days where I don’t even feel real and had past depressive episodes so severe that I’ve had suicidal thoughts and even made plans on so many occasions.

“I have had an intense fear of intimacy since my brain now sees it as a violent act and not a loving one.

“I’ve held such high standards for who can be in my life that it is just easier to be alone. I have been so scared to be taken advantage of again or being reduced to an object for someone else’s use, rather than being seen as a person.”

She continued:

“Taking it one day at a time has been my way of dealing and having to live with this but this way of coping doesn’t work in any other factors of life.

“I am a real person with a soul and dreams, but both of these have been permanently altered because of what happened.

“I had so many plans for my life and so many dreams I could have achieved had I not been so depressed.

I’ve lost all enjoyment in most things I used to do or those I’m expected to enjoy because I’m too afraid.”

She concluded:

“The anxiety I face every day is overwhelming. I’m too scared to grow as a person and leave my comfort zone, questioning whether this will this happen to me again, runs through my mind time after time. I’ve held myself back from opportunities and cost myself so many new experiences, friends and relationships.

“I hold back from going to new places and speaking to new people, as not knowing the people around me and what they are capable of, is always on my mind. The energy I am using worrying about what someone could do to me, takes so much life out of me. The excitement I had to learn and experience new things has gone.

“The constant feeling of sadness and shame is something that has not gotten any easier and I have just found better ways to mask it. I have good days every now and then where I go hours or even the whole day without thinking about it.

“I start to think maybe I’m getting better and it’s over, but then there is always an end to that day, and I am back in my bedroom, alone, wishing that he had just killed me, instead of making this a lifelong ordeal I must deal with.”

After being arrested, Gray was interviewed by officers but denied anything untoward had happened.

However, following a complex investigation by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, in January last year, Gray was charged in connection with the abuse.

He stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in August where he was found unanimously guilty of one count of sexual assault.

And today (Thursday), Gray, of Dawes Street, Gillingham, Rochester, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by a judge at the same court.

As part of his sentence, he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The officer leading the case was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

She said:

“It’s clear from the words shared by the victim-survivor that Harry Gray’s crimes have impacted her enormously.

“I am so proud of the bravery she’s shown through a difficult court process, but I really hope that today’s sentencing hearing can signal the end of this process and the start of her onward journey.”

She added: “As a Force, we remain committed to putting offenders such as Gray before the courts.

“If you’ve experienced any form of sexual abuse, please get in touch with us so we can put your abuser before the courts too.”

Description

A rapist from Sandwich who repeatedly abused his victim has been jailed for 18 years.

Shane Higgins, from Foxborough Close, pleaded guilty to numerous offences including rape and sexual assault before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Kent Police was alerted to the offending in May 2026, when the victim disclosed to a trusted person that they had been abused by Higgins on multiple occasions.

An investigation was immediately launched involving specialist detectives from the force and Higgins, 37, was arrested the same day.

Jailed

Enquiries were swiftly completed and, on 1 June, the offender was charged. He later admitted his guilt and was sentenced at the same court on Friday 18 September.

In additional to the custodial period, Higgins will have to spend 6 years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karla Walker, said:

‘The victim in this case showed immense courage in speaking out about the appalling abuse they suffered. Our priority was to engage with them sensitively and compassionately, while ensuring we secured the best possible evidence.

‘That evidence allowed our detectives to act swiftly to build a compelling case against Higgins, resulting in his prompt arrest, charges and, ultimately, his guilty pleas, meaning there was no trial. Higgins has now rightly received a lengthy prison sentence.‘I hope the conclusion of this case can provide the victim with some measure of justice and allows them to move forward with the continued support they deserve.’

Description

A rapist who groomed two teenage boys has been jailed for 9 years and 6 months.

William Power consistently gave cash to one of the victims and continued to sexually abuse him for several years.

Power, previously of Fort Road, Halstead, also targeted a second teenage boy over the course of 2 years.

The court heard how the 42 year old carried out the offences, which included rape and sexual assault, against the 2 victims between 2014 and 2018 in Kent, as well as other parts of the country.

Guilty

He denied the offences but was later found guilty by a jury following a trial.

On Thursday 17 September 2026, he was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court.

As well as being handed a custodial sentence, he was added to the sex offenders’ register for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 15 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Coghlan said:

‘Power groomed his two victims over a number of years. He saw nothing wrong with his behaviour which makes him even more predatory and dangerous towards children. His sentence reflects his lengthy offending.

‘I want to commend his victims for finding the courage to speak up and report what had been happening, and their bravery in providing evidence which ensured charges were brought and that Power was rightly convicted.’

Description

A rapist who took advantage of a teenage girl at a Halloween party in Ramsgate has been jailed.

On 29 October 2022, Angelos Ntolakai attended a gathering where the victim had become unwell and fallen asleep in a friend's bed. Ntolakai forced himself upon her while she was asleep and held her down as he raped her.

The victim quickly disclosed what had happened to a friend and Kent Police was called. Officers attended the scene and immediately launched an investigation.

DNA evience

Detectives obtained forensic samples from all the males who had attended the party. Analysis identified a DNA profile matching Ntolakai, and he was arrested on 15 March 2023. During his interview, he responded 'no comment' to all questions put to him by detectives and was later charged with rape.

As the investigation progressed, officers obtained more evidence against him, including videos and photographs from the party which helped further identify Ntolakai and placed him at the scene.

He was interviewed again and provided a prepared statement in which he blamed his consumption of alcohol for his poor recollection. He claimed that if he had sexual intercourse with a girl at the party, it would have been consensual, and that he understood consent.

Ntolakai, who is of Greek nationality, pled not guilty to the charge of rape, however, following a four day long trial at Canterbury Crown Court the jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict.

Sentenced

On Thursday 17 September 2026, Ntolakai, 23, of Manston Road, Ramsgate, was sentenced to five years and seven months' imprisonment at the same court. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chris Harvey, said:

‘This custodial sentence was based heavily on the strength of the DNA and forensic information gathered by the investigation team, as well as the crucial input of witnesses who collaborated with us and provided key evidence.

‘The victim personal statement read out at court today made clear the impact that this attack has had on her life, and I hope this sentence provides the victim and her family with some sense of justice and closure.’

Description

A registered sex offender who used photographs of people known to him and superimposed their faces onto pornographic images has been returned to prison.

Peter Smith, 75, was convicted in 2013 for possessing and making an indecent image of a child, as well as possessing an extreme pornographic image.

As part of his sentence, he was made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prohibited him from using image or video editing software and from possessing any device capable of storing digital images unless it was made available for examination by police officers.

On several occasions Smith was recalled to prison due to breaching the orders imposed on him.

Following his latest release from prison in July 2026, officers from Kent Police carried out an unannounced visit to his home address in Station Road, Rainham.

During a search of the property, officers found a USB stick concealed beneath a pillow. When a mobile phone and tablet were examined, officers identified several applications capable of editing images. Further analysis uncovered a number of indecent images of children and extreme pornographic images.

Officers also established that Smith had been digitally altering photographs by taking the faces of people known to him and superimposing them onto pornographic images.

Arrested

He was arrested and subsequently charged with making indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography, creating non consensual intimate images, breaching the SOPO and failing to comply with notification requirements under the sex offenders register.

Smith pleaded guilty to the offences at an early hearing, and at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 11 September 2026, he was jailed for 3 years.

Investigating officer Police Constable Ben Tanner said:

‘Smith's actions showed a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed on him to protect the public and prevent further offending.

‘The discovery of indecent images of children, extreme pornography and non consensual altered images demonstrates the importance of the proactive work carried out by officers who monitor registered sex offenders in Kent.

‘We will continue to take action against anybody who breaches the conditions placed upon them and poses a risk to others.’

Description

A Gravesend rapist has been jailed after admitting to multiple child sex offences.

An investigation was launched into Wayne Hodges after a young victim reported he had targeted them.

Upon his arrest in May 2025, officers reviewed his mobile phone and recovered indecent images of children.

Court

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court in March 2026, Hodges, of Wilberforce Way, Gravesend pleaded guilty to numerous offences against the child including rape, sexual assault and making indecent images.

On Friday 11 September, he was jailed for 17 years 3 months. When he becomes eligible for parole, Hodges will be subject to a further 8 years on licence.

The 55 year old was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Nick Pebody said:

‘Hodges appalling crimes have rightly resulted in a long sentence that we hope will give some sense of closure to the victim in this case.

‘I would like to commend his victim on their courage in disclosing their ordeal and supporting our investigation. We are pleased that the evidence presented to the court left him no other choice than to plead guilty.

‘The additional restrictions placed on him by the judge will ensure that when he is eventually released, we can monitor his conduct very closely indeed.’

Description

A Medway sex offender who repeatedly breached a court order is back behind bars.

In 2018, Ian Collard became subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after he was convicted of attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity.

This prohibited him from using social media, dating applications or websites, and from accessing the internet without notifying the authorities. It also required him to make any devices available for inspection by officers upon request and to live at approved premises in Beckenham.

Collard repeatedly breached the terms of the order and has previously been returned to prison as a result.

Following his latest release, Kent Police received a report on 20 June 2026 from a woman who had seen previous media coverage relating to Collard's conviction. She told officers he had been communicating with her via social media, engaging in conversations of a sexual nature and claiming to be homeless and wanting to move in with her.

The 36 year old, formerly of Station Road, Gillingham, was arrested on 6 July and later charged with 12 breaches of the SHPO.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and, at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 September 2026, was jailed for 3 years and 3 months.

Detective Constable James Neville said:

'Collard is a high risk sex offender who continues to show a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed on him by the courts.

'These measures are in place to protect the public, yet he has repeatedly chosen to ignore them despite previous convictions and prison sentences for similar breaches.

'His persistent offending demonstrates an ongoing risk to others, and we will continue to take action whenever he fails to comply with these conditions. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his behaviour and sends a clear message that anyone who repeatedly breaches orders designed to safeguard the public can expect to be brought back before the courts.'

Description

Dartford coach driver Liam Ross has 12-year sentence increased to 15 years after raping two schoolgirls

A coach driver who raped a 12-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl in Bexley has had his prison sentence increased after the Attorney General referred the case as unduly lenient.

Liam Ross, 30, of Dartford, Kent, was originally jailed for 12 years with a one-year extended licence at Woolwich Crown Court on 2 March 2026. On 3 September 2026, the Court of Appeal increased the term to 15 years’ imprisonment, with the one-year licence extension remaining, after intervention by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP.

Ross, who was 29 at the time of the offences, met the 16-year-old over social media and pursued a sexual relationship with her, meeting her on multiple occasions and giving her money. He later received a police warning letter that the relationship put him at risk of criminal behaviour, but continued anyway.

In April 2025 he raped the 16-year-old after she became unconscious through alcohol. In May 2025 he provided alcohol to both girls, engaged in sexual activity with them, raped the 12-year-old, filmed the abuse and gave them money. Police later found indecent images of children and video recordings of some of the May 2025 offences on his phone.

Ross claimed he believed the 12-year-old was old enough to consent. Rape of a child under 13 is a strict liability offence, so a defendant’s belief about the child’s age or consent is irrelevant. Judge Ruth Downing accepted that he believed the girl was older and said she thought the same when she saw the victim.

The judge described the case as “difficult and rather disturbing”, saying Ross had pursued “lawful but inappropriate” relationships with schoolgirls over the age of consent. A pre-sentence report pointed to predatory and reckless traits; Judge Downing said she disagreed with much of it, but was confident he would realise the “utter folly” of pursuing sexual relationships with 16-year-old girls.

“This might send a message to those who think sailing close to the wind, being risky, is something they might like to do,” she said.

Ross was a coach driver who frequently transported schoolchildren. The court was told his offending was not connected to his work.

Ellie Reeves said: “Liam Ross is a sexual predator who exploited and raped two young girls. I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence following my referral.

“My thoughts are with the victims who have shown courage and bravery in coming forward. Violence against women and girls is a national epidemic, and stopping it remains my number one priority as Attorney General. I will continue to push for sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes.”

Convictions

• Rape of a child under 13  
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration  
• Paying for sexual services of a child  
• Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity  
• Causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child  
• Rape  
• Sexual assault  
• Two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child  
• Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child

Description

A man has pleaded guilty to 49 child sexual offences.

Mark South, 38, a Jamaican national from Ashford, Kent, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, where he was due to stand trial. However, he pleaded guilty to a total of 49 offences, including, engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking and distributing indecent images of children, blackmail, engaging in sexual communication with a child, inciting a child into sexual exploitation, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

A large and complex investigation into South began in May 2023 after police were alerted to information by a safeguarding officer at a local school in Swindon.

An investigation carried out by Wiltshire Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, led by DC Geoff Newnham, uncovered extensive offending by South. He used several social media platforms, often operating under a multitude of aliases to contact young girls and arrange sexual encounters in exchange for money and other items, including vapes and trainers.

His victims were located across the country, from Essex to Cornwall.

Detective Constable Geoff Newnham, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

"South crossed county boundaries to commit some of the most serious offences imaginable against vulnerable children, emboldened by what he believed was the anonymity of the internet.

"Over a number of years, he used a complex network of social media aliases, burner phones and prepaid numbers to groom, manipulate and blackmail children into sexual exploitation across a wide geographical area.

"This investigation has involved specialist child abuse investigation teams, major crime investigators, digital forensic experts, victim identification officers and dedicated prosecutors from the Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, all of whom have worked tirelessly to build a compelling case and bring South before the courts.

"We must not underestimate the profound and lasting harm his offending has caused to children and their families. It is thanks to the extraordinary courage of the victims that justice has been achieved. I am particularly pleased that they will not now have to relive their traumatic experiences by giving evidence at trial following South's last minute guilty pleas.

"I hope this case sends a clear message to anyone experiencing abuse that they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously. Equally, it should serve as a warning to offenders who believe they can hide behind a computer screen. The reality is that law enforcement has the capability and determination to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

"Finally, I would like to thank the victims, witnesses and their families for their patience, resilience and unwavering support throughout what has been a lengthy and complex investigation. Without their determination, we would not be here today."

Description

A rapist has been jailed for 2 decades after a brutal assault in Gravesend.

At a petrol station on City Way, Rochester on Saturday 18 October 2025, Louis Taylor’s injured and shaken victim asked members of public to call police.

Officers attended and took the victim into their care. Taylor was arrested the same day.

Attack

She disclosed how the 32 year old had assaulted her, grabbing her hair and neck and dragging her around a room. He also kicked her repeatedly while wearing steel toe capped boots, punched her and hit her with a hoover pole causing significant injuries.

Taylor then sexually assaulted and raped the victim.

After this ordeal, he ordered her into a car and threatened to harm her if she ‘made a sound’. Driving into Rochester, it was only when he had to stop at a petrol station that she could alert anyone.

Investigation

Taylor was arrested promptly and, whilst in custody, an investigation was launched during which the victim was supported by a specially trained sexual offences liaison officer.

Further enquiries uncovered more offences, namely a previous rape and an assault. 

Court

Louis Taylor pleaded guilty to 8 charges, specifically three counts of rape, wounding with intent, assault by penetration, burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, attempted grievous bodily harm and kidnapping.

Further charges, including intentional suffocation, sexual assault and assault, will lie on file.

At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday 21st August 2026, Taylor, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Serious danger

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rachel Ford said:

‘Taylor’s horrific offending clearly shows how he is a serious danger to women and to society as a whole.

‘The severity of his sentence reflects that of his crimes as well as the trauma he has caused his victim.

‘The judge commended the victim's bravery, and she has shown immense courage in providing key evidence which enabled justice to be served.

‘Kent Police is committed to ensuring all victims of violence against women and girls receive vital support and we will always seek to hold offenders to account.  

‘In this case I am satisfied Taylor is behind bars where he cannot continue to cause any further harm like that of which he has already inflicted.’

Description

An offender from Canterbury has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of two children.

Investigators were made aware that indecent images of children had been uploaded to the internet by an account that was associated to Luke Johnson. On Monday 13 October 2025, a warrant was conducted at a proetry in Canterbury.

Four mobile phones were seized from the house as well as a memory card. Johnson was not present but was arrested later the same day and released on bail whilst an investigation was launched.

Following a forensic review of the seized property, detectives found over 25 incident images and videos of children. Upon recovering the images, it became apparent that Johnson had been abusing the young victims, alongside creating images of them.

Johnson was further arrested for the offence of taking indecent images of children and sexual assault on 23 March 2026. He was later charged with 4 offences and remanded in custody until his sentencing.

He pled guilty to the charges and on Friday 21 August 2026, Johnson, 36, of Old Park Avenue, was sentenced to 6 years in prison. He will also be subject to a period of 4 years on licenced supervision, as well as a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Amber Pollitt said:

‘The indecent images recovered from Luke Johnson’s devices revealed the extent of the abuse he inflicted, however the swift identification of the victims by my team meant that safeguarding was put in place at the earliest opportunity.

‘Johnson showed no remorse for his actions throughout the entire court process, and thanks to the families’ support and the dedication of the investigating team, he has been brought to justice.’

Description

A registered sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for failing to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In 2025, Jack Stevens 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 including using or possessing any electronic device capable of accessing the internet.

Visit

On 14 January 2026, investigators made a regular visit to Stevens’ home address and asked him if he had additional devices that they were unaware of.

He denied having anything which hadn’t been declared.

A search of the property by Police Dog Oakley located a Samsung tablet which had been wrapped in a curtain and hidden behind the bed.

The device was then seized and an indecent image, along with a prohibited image of a child was found.

Arrest

Stevens was arrested for breaching a SHPO due to owning this device and using alias names on social media.

Stevens, 23, of Grange Road, Gillingham, was charged on 15 January and remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 13 August, Stevens was sentenced to 3 years and 2 months’ imprisonment.

He will also continue to be subject to a further 10 year SHPO.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Leona Valsler said:

‘As a force we do everything within our powers to ensure offenders like Stevens face justice.

‘PD Oakley was able to provide invaluable support during a search of Stevens' house and enabled us to safeguard children and convict a high risk registered offender.’