In 2026, the Offender Register reported that John Sladden, a child sex offender from Ramsgate, had been incarcerated for more than 20 years, after his offences were discovered 30 years later.
Over the course of several years, John Sladden conducted a consistent campaign of sexual abuse against three young girls. In March 2024, Kent Police received formal reports from all three victims.
Initially, two victims came forward in tandem, alleging that Sladden had sexually assaulted them on numerous occasions during their childhood. A third victim subsequently contacted the police, alleging that Sladden had subjected her to protracted sexual abuse during her childhood, which had occurred over a period of several years.
Detectives determined that the offences occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s by analysing their accounts. A comprehensive investigation was initiated, featuring in-depth enquiries into the historical offences.
The 72-year-old was apprehended and charged with numerous sexual offences. He was convicted guilty of 11 child sexual offences by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court on 11 June 2026, following a four-week trial.
On Friday, July 3, Sladden was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment in the same court.
Image Credit – Kent Police
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