In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Michael Brooker, then 69, of Stuart Road, Gravesend, was sentenced to 16 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. Brooker, a former soldier, was convicted of a “heartless” and prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a child that occurred more than 30 years prior.
The court heard that Brooker targeted his victim in the Thanet area, forcing her to perform a series of lewd acts and subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults and rape. Although the victim had courageously attempted to report the abuse at the time, she was not believed by authorities. Decades later, while speaking with a counsellor about her depression and flashbacks, she felt encouraged to come forward again. This disclosure led to a Kent Police investigation that finally uncovered Brooker’s secret history of depravity. During the search of his home, police discovered over 1,000 indecent images of children on his computer, including Category A material—the most severe and “depraved” examples.
During the trial, Brooker remained impassive, admitting to the possession of indecent images but denying the charges of rape and sexual assault, claiming his victim had fabricated the allegations. Recorder David Jeremy QC dismissed this defence, noting that predators often target children because they are less likely to be believed or report the crimes at the time. When told that the 16-year sentence meant the pensioner might die in prison, the judge retorted, “Well, he has brought this on himself.” He praised the survivor for her bravery, stating that while Brooker had “stolen her childhood,” her courage had prevented him from destroying her life.
Michael Brooker was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment for 17 sex offences. In addition to his custodial term, he was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which legally restricts his future contact with children and allows for permanent monitoring of his residency and digital activities.
As a result of his convictions for child rape and serial sexual assault, Brooker is a registered sex offender for life. He is managed under the highest level of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Kent. This ensures that if he were ever released, Kent Police and the National Probation Service would maintain intensive surveillance of his movements to safeguard the community.
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 reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.