MARK LLOYD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN KENT FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND DRUG GROWING IN WESTGATE ON SEA
A man from Westgate on Sea, Kent, has been handed a lengthy extended prison sentence after being convicted of multiple child sex offences that spanned over a decade.Mark Lloyd, aged 47, appeared in Canterbury Crown Court where he sat quietly in the dock, while one of his victims observed the proceedings from the public gallery, just a few feet away.
Lloyd, whose address is listed as Victoria Road, Westgate on Sea, was found guilty last month of nine separate child sex offences.
The court proceedings revealed that the crimes involved three young victims and took place more than ten years ago, causing ongoing suffering for those affected.
During the trial, the court also heard details of a police raid on Lloyd’s residence.
In September 2014, officers executed a search warrant at his home and uncovered a significant cannabis cultivation operation.
Inside three different rooms—namely a spare room, a bedroom, and the loft—police discovered a total of 72 cannabis plants being grown illicitly.
Alongside the plants, authorities seized various items including two horticulture books, guides on how to grow cannabis, two sets of scales, a safe, numerous clear plastic bags, latex gloves, and various fertilisers.
Lloyd admitted to cultivating the cannabis but denied any involvement in the child sex offences.
In court, Judge Heather Norton addressed Lloyd directly, stating, “You have shown no pity or remorse, no insight whatsoever for your offences.” She emphasized the seriousness of the crimes and the risk Lloyd poses to the public, especially children.
The judge sentenced him to an extended term of 12 years, comprising a nine-year prison sentence followed by an additional three years on licence.
She also made it clear that Lloyd would not be eligible for parole until 2021 and would be subject to up to six years on licence after his release.
The judge highlighted that Lloyd’s actions had caused significant and lasting harm to his victims and that he remains a danger to society.
Furthermore, Lloyd was informed that he will be registered on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts him from being alone with or working with children.
During the sentencing, Judge Norton praised the bravery of the victims and expressed her gratitude for their attendance.
Detective Sergeant Paul Deslandes of Kent Police also commented on the case, commending the victims for their courage in coming forward and acknowledging the emotional toll of the ordeal.
He expressed hope that the victims and their families could now begin to move forward, knowing that Lloyd will be incarcerated for the foreseeable future.
As Lloyd prepared to begin his sentence, the court reaffirmed the importance of protecting children from predators like him.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts of Kent Police to combat child abuse and drug-related crimes within the community of Westgate on Sea, Kent.
