A 41-year-old man from Sittingbourne has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court after being convicted by a jury of raping and sexually assaulting a teenage victim.
Dane Perren, of Peony Crescent, Sittingbourne, appeared for sentence on Friday 24 July 2026 following an extensive safeguarding investigation led by Kent Police into serious sexual offences.
The prosecution outlined that the offending took place in June 2023, during which Perren targeted a young female victim and carried out a catalogue of sexual violations. Following disclosures made to law enforcement, detectives launched an inquiry, securing forensic and witness evidence that led to Perren being arrested and indicted on four serious sexual charges.
Perren maintained a total denial of criminal conduct and entered not guilty pleas across the board, requiring the survivor to attend court and give evidence during a contested trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
On Thursday 23 July 2026, the jury dismissed Perren’s defence and delivered unanimous guilty verdicts across all four charges on the indictment:
Rape
Attempted rape
Assault by penetration
Sexual assault
Returning to the same court for sentencing the following day, Perren was addressed by the presiding Crown Court judge regarding the severe physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon the young victim, noting the breach of personal boundaries and predatory nature of the attacks. The judge handed down an immediate custodial term of seven years.
Under standard statutory sentencing provisions for serious sexual offences, Perren will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before being considered for release on licence by the Parole Board.
To safeguard the survivor indefinitely, the court imposed a restraining order without limit of time, barring Perren from contacting her directly or indirectly. The court also ordered Perren to comply with mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and permanently barred him from regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all child victims and complainants connected to criminal proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Perren stood convicted of:
Rape
Attempted rape
Assault by penetration
Sexual assault
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
Seven years’ immediate custody
Indefinite restraining order protecting the victim
Mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Permanent barring from working with children or vulnerable adults (Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists)
Strict post-custodial statutory licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Database Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.