CLIFFORD REA OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN MAIDSTONE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas, Clifford Rea, a 71-year-old resident of Penshurst Road, Bidborough, was convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young children. The offenses spanned several years and involved children as young as three years old, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

Rea’s criminal activities came to light after a thorough investigation by Kent Police, culminating in his guilty plea to five charges of child rape and three counts of sexually assaulting a minor. The crimes took place primarily in Sittingbourne, where the abuse was reported to have occurred over an extended period. The victims included a child whom Rea repeatedly raped from the age of three until they reached ten years old, as well as another child who was subjected to sexual abuse between the ages of four and fourteen.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Rea was sentenced to a term of ten years in prison, a punishment deemed appropriate given the severity and duration of his offenses. The case has been described by Detective Constable Naomi Moore, who led the investigation, as involving “extremely distressing” acts that have caused significant trauma to the victims.

DC Moore expressed her commendation for the bravery shown by the victims, emphasizing the importance of reporting such crimes. She stated, “I would like to commend the victims in their bravery. Kent Police will always take reports of sexual crime seriously, no matter how historic, and I would encourage anyone who may have been subject to such behaviour to get in touch with us and to feel confident that any reports will be taken seriously and dealt with in a sensitive manner.”

Rea’s case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child sexual abuse and to support victims in coming forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred. The community remains urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicions of abuse to authorities, ensuring that justice is served and that vulnerable children are protected from harm.