CRAIG TOMLIN OF MAIDSTONE SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF YOUNG BOYS

In November 2013, a disturbing case unfolded at Maidstone Crown Court involving Craig Tomlin, a 29-year-old man from Oxford Road, Maidstone, who was convicted of heinous crimes against two young boys. The court heard that Tomlin had engaged in a pattern of grooming and sexual assault, using manipulative tactics such as offering cigarettes and alcohol to lure his victims into a false sense of trust.

Following a jury trial last month, Tomlin was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, with the offences dating back to the year 2000. The court was informed that the victims, whose identities are protected by law, had been subjected to a calculated campaign of grooming by Tomlin, who was described in a probation officer’s report as posing a high risk of causing serious harm to prepubescent boys.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Martin Joy did not hold back in condemning Tomlin’s actions. He described him as a “complete monster” and emphasized that his conduct was “deeply abhorrent.” The judge pointed out that the use of alcohol and cigarettes by Tomlin was a form of “sly bribery,” which served as an aggravating factor in the case. The judge also highlighted the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victims, both of whom had to testify during the trial.

Judge Joy stated, “There was overwhelmingly clear and strong evidence… There has to be a substantial period of imprisonment and that is the only way offences such as these can be dealt with.” As a result, Tomlin was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with each of the four rape convictions running concurrently, and eight years concurrently for each of the indecent assault charges. The court ordered that Tomlin serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence.

Throughout the proceedings, Tomlin showed little emotion, only winking at two women in the public gallery as the sentence was passed. Both of his victims submitted impact statements to the court, describing the severe emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon them. Prosecutor Piers Knowle Reed summarized their testimonies, noting that both victims had suffered “quite serious problems” as a direct result of Tomlin’s actions.

Judge Joy described the statements as “very moving” and addressed Tomlin directly, recounting the words of one victim who expressed feelings of disgust, being “messed up,” and experiencing behavioral issues, anger, and loneliness. The victim hoped to become a good father, have good friends, and be recognized as a happy, hardworking individual. The judge expressed hope that this aspiration might still be achievable.

Similarly, the second victim’s statement detailed feelings of fear, intimidation, and isolation caused by the abuse. Judge Joy emphasized the devastating effects such crimes have, including fear, humiliation, degradation, shame, embarrassment, and difficulties in trusting others or forming relationships. He concluded by condemning Tomlin’s conduct, stating, “You must have been regarded by them as a complete monster. The behaviour you engaged in with them was deeply abhorrent.”

It was also noted that Tomlin, who has no previous convictions related to sexual offences, was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, further restricting his future conduct. Defense lawyer Danny Moore acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating that there was little he could say in mitigation and accepting that the offences were at the “top end” of sentencing guidelines.