MICHAEL FUNNELL, THE ASHFORD PAEDOPHILE, SENTENCED FOR ABUSING CHILDREN IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND ASHFORD

In a significant case that has shocked the local communities of Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, Michael Funnell, a 31-year-old resident of Crownfield Road in Ashford, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving young children. The crimes, which spanned from 2016 to 2019, involved the sexual abuse of five children under the age of 10, with incidents occurring both in his hometown of Ashford and in Tunbridge Wells.

Funnell’s criminal activities came to light following two separate police investigations. His arrest took place on Friday, October 4, 2019, marking the beginning of a legal process that would reveal the extent of his offending. The case was brought before Maidstone Crown Court, where Funnell faced multiple charges related to his heinous acts.

During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Funnell was convicted of rape and nine counts of sexually assaulting a child. The evidence presented in court also included the discovery of indecent images of children on his mobile phone, to which he pleaded guilty. These images further underscored the severity of his offending and his breach of legal restrictions.

In addition to the sexual assault charges, Funnell admitted to breaching a sexual offences prevention order on three separate occasions and failing to comply with notification requirements, which are part of the legal measures designed to monitor convicted sex offenders. His actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed upon him following previous convictions.

The judge, David Griffith-Jones QC, sentenced Funnell to a total of 14 years in prison. Recognizing the dangerous nature of his crimes, the court also imposed an extended licence period of five years, during which Funnell will be closely monitored. The court categorized him as a “dangerous offender,” a designation that reflects the serious risk he poses to the public.

Furthermore, Funnell was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to prevent any future offending and protect potential victims. The judge ordered that Funnell must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can apply for parole, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the need for public safety.