Gillingham man jailed for inappropriately touching child in Rainham pub

GILLINGHAM MAN JAILED FOR INAPPROPRIATELY TOUCHING CHILD IN RAINHAM PUB

A man convicted of sexually assaulting a minor in a Rainham pub has been sentenced to prison.

On April 18, 2025, Stephen Roche visited a pub near London Road and approached a young person he did not know.

After a brief conversation, Roche inappropriately touched the child under their clothing.

The victim immediately informed a relative, leading to the police being contacted.

Roche, who resides on Pembury Road in Gillingham, was detained later that day and charged with sexual assault.

He admitted guilt in court on the same day at Maidstone Crown Court.

On July 1, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

In addition to his jail term, Roche will be under a Community Order for two years, and he is subject to an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order as well as a Restraining Order.

Detective Constable Nathan Hales, the investigating officer, stated: ‘Roche exploited the fact that a vulnerable child was sitting alone in a pub.

His actions were deplorable, but officers swiftly located him at his home and took him into custody.

I commend the victim’s bravery in reporting the incident quickly to ensure justice was served.’