Child rapist from Kent jailed for 22 years

CHILD RAPIST FROM KENT JAILED FOR 22 YEARS

A child sex offender from Chatham, Kent has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Billy Ward appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Friday (6 June), where a jury convicted him of 12 charges, including raping a child under 13 and touching a child under 13 in a sexual manner.

Following his arrest in October 2023, Ward, aged 40 and residing on Castle Road, denied all charges.

The offences took place over a period from January 2016 to October 2022 against the same young victim.

During the sentencing, Ward was given a prison term of 22 years, with an additional five years on extended licence.

He was also served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which is set to be in place for the next 35 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Othen of Kent Police’s Vulnerability Investigation Team said: ‘Ward carried out pre-planned and sustained offending over a six-year period against a vulnerable young child.

"His crimes are some of the worst I have come across while working as part of this team, and I really want to commend the bravery of the victim.

Not only did the child report his offending, but they were present in court and personally read out their victim impact statement, a step which took great courage.

I hope that the outcome of this case allows them to come to terms with their past and gives the closure needed in order to move forward."