MARTIN EMERY FROM SNODLAND AND CHATHAM SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE AND FILMING HORRORS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Snodland and Chatham, Martin Emery, a man with a long history of criminal behavior, was convicted of a series of heinous offences involving the sexual abuse of a young girl over nearly a decade. The abuse, which began in the 1990s, was characterized by Emery’s calculated and prolonged targeting of a vulnerable victim, with the crimes spanning many years and causing immense trauma.

The allegations first came to light in 2018 when the victim’s reports prompted an immediate investigation by Kent Police. Emery, who was residing in Chatham at the time, was swiftly arrested on the same day the allegations were made. The police investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, including the fact that Emery had secretly recorded the assaults. Devices seized from his home, including a hard drive and a USB stick, contained hundreds of indecent images of children, many of which were classified in the most severe categories of child exploitation material. These devices also held evidence of extreme and obscene images and videos, some involving animals, highlighting the depravity of Emery’s online activities.

Further forensic analysis uncovered that Emery had downloaded and stored a significant amount of illegal content from the internet, which added to the severity of his crimes. In June 2021, Emery appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted to four charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornographic material. Despite his admissions, Emery denied the allegations of direct child sexual abuse, maintaining his innocence.

However, the case proceeded to Maidstone Crown Court, where a jury found Emery guilty of seven counts encompassing indecent assault, sexual assault, and voyeurism. The court’s verdict confirmed his involvement in a series of serious sexual offences against the young girl, which had been ongoing for many years. Emery, aged 64 and residing on Birling Road in Snodland, was sentenced on May 3 to serve five years in prison for his crimes. The sentencing marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for his victim and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and abuse in the region.