DANIEL DENNY OF MARGATE SENTENCED FOR RE-OFFENDING AS SEX OFFENDER INVOLVING CHILD EXPLOITATION IN KENT

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing risks posed by convicted sex offenders, Daniel Denny, a 36-year-old man from Margate, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of re-engaging in illegal activities involving minors. His actions not only violated the terms of his previous convictions but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of children and the legal restrictions placed upon him.

Daniel Denny, who previously resided on Union Crescent in Margate, had a history of sexual offenses against minors. In 2008, he was convicted of grooming a child under 16 and voyeurism, leading to a sentence of a three-year community order at Canterbury Crown Court. As part of his punishment, Denny was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which aimed to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offenses.

Despite these legal measures, Denny's criminal behavior persisted. In May 2013, authorities arrested him on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children and breaching the conditions of his SOPO. The arrest followed intelligence indicating that he was in possession of a mobile phone used to contact a minor. During the search, officers recovered the mobile device and discovered that Denny had been communicating with a 13-year-old girl from Staffordshire. It was revealed that he had assumed the identity of a 16-year-old boy named Josh, engaging in online conversations with the girl, sending her gifts through the mail, and encouraging her to perform sexual acts.

Further investigation confirmed that Denny had violated the terms of his SOPO and had incited a minor to engage in sexual activities. He was formally charged on March 31, and during the subsequent court proceedings, he admitted to breaching the SOPO and inciting a child to perform sexual acts. His guilty plea was entered at a hearing on May 19, and he appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on May 30 to be sentenced.

Judge handed down a three-year prison term, emphasizing the seriousness of Denny’s repeated offenses and his failure to adhere to legal restrictions designed to protect children. Additionally, Denny was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, and his SOPO was extended to be indefinite, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions.

Detective Sergeant Mikaela Stevens of the Kent Police Child Exploitation Investigation Team expressed her concern over Denny’s actions, stating, “Denny has shown, not only a complete disregard for his previous orders, but also actively sought out an innocent child to target for his own sexual gratification, concealing his identity from her to do so. This case is a stark reminder to people that not all those using the internet are as they appear.”

She further assured the public that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed to protecting children from exploitation, emphasizing that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable minors from predators like Daniel Denny.