Dartford man jailed for sex offences against children

A Dartford man has been jailed after a jury unanimously found him guilty of sexually assaulting two children over more than three decades. 

Steven Franklin was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of 10 sexual offences, including five counts of rape.

The court heard how Kent Police launched an investigation into allegations Franklin had subjected a child to a sustained campaign of sexual abuse.

Second victim

The complex and lengthy investigation established there was a second victim, who had been targeted by Franklin in the 1970s. Enquiries later revealed the child had suffered at the hands of Franklin for more than a decade.

In August 2023, Franklin was charged with multiple sexual offences and ordered to appear before Woolwich Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Sentenced

He was found guilty following a trial.

Franklin, 71, of Montgomery Road, South Darenth, was sentenced to 26 years’ imprisonment before the same court on 14 November. He must serve at least two thirds of his sentence before he can apply for parole.

Detective Constable James McClelland 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. ‘He has subsequently demonstrated zero remorse and refused to confess his wrongdoing, instead choosing to make them suffer a lengthy legal process, during which they’ve had to relive horrific incidents. ‘I would like to commend the bravery of both victims in reporting Franklin’s abhorrent behaviour and hope that his lengthy jail term offers some comfort. ‘Kent Police takes all reports of this nature seriously and encourages any victims of such crimes to have confidence that we will seek to serve justice against perpetrators, no matter when the offence occurred.’

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of rape, sexual assault, or another sexual offence, help and support is available on our advice pages. You can anonymously report non-recent, non-urgent incidents using our online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.