STEVE FRANKLIN SENTENCED IN KENT FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A man from Kent, identified as Steven Franklin, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a jury at Woolwich Crown Court found him guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences committed over more than thirty years.Franklin, who resides on Montgomery Road in Dartford, was convicted of a total of 10 separate charges, including five counts of rape, in connection with his abuse of two young children.
According to the court proceedings, Kent Police initiated a detailed investigation following allegations that Franklin had subjected a child to a sustained and systematic campaign of sexual abuse.
The investigation uncovered disturbing evidence that pointed to a second victim, who had been targeted by Franklin during the 1970s.
Further inquiries revealed that this child had endured Franklin’s abuse for over a decade, highlighting the prolonged nature of his criminal conduct.
In August 2023, Franklin was formally charged with multiple sexual offences.
He appeared before Woolwich Crown Court where he entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty after a trial that examined the extensive evidence presented against him.
On November 14, Franklin, aged 71, was sentenced to 26 years in prison.
The court ordered that he must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for justice for his victims.
Detective Constable James McClelland, who was involved in the case, issued a statement emphasizing the brutality of Franklin’s actions.
He said, “Franklin persistently and repeatedly assaulted his victims in the most vile manner for his own selfish gratification.
He took advantage of two vulnerable young children, subjecting them to years of abuse, with absolutely no regard for their physical, mental, emotional, or psychological well-being.” McClelland further noted that Franklin had shown no remorse and refused to admit his guilt, instead prolonging the legal process and forcing his victims to relive their traumatic experiences.
He expressed hope that the lengthy imprisonment would provide some measure of justice and reassurance to the victims.
The officer also praised the bravery of those who came forward to report Franklin’s abhorrent behaviour, reaffirming Kent Police’s commitment to pursuing justice in all cases of sexual abuse, regardless of when the offences occurred.
