Dover child sex offender jailed for 12 years

A sex offender from Dover who was convicted of multiple offences against a child victim has been jailed for 12 years.

Barry Milburn, 46, pleaded guilty to numerous sexual assaults, including 2 counts of rape, before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Milburn’s crimes came to light after the child made a disclosure to friends in December 2024. Trusted adults were alerted and a report was made to Kent Police, leading to Milburn’s arrest the same day.

An investigation was immediately launched, involving specialist detectives from the force, which established that Milburn had offended on several occasions.

Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence analysed, resulting in charges brought against Milburn in March 2026.

Jailed

He admitted carrying out 9 sexual offences on the young victim and, on Friday 14 August 2026, was sentenced at the same court.

In addition to his jail term, Milburn, formerly of Athol Terrace in Dover, will be required to serve one year on licence when he is released. He will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and to notification requirements of the sex offender register for life.

Investigating officer, PC Ollie Stevens, said: ‘The courage shown by the young victim in this case cannot be overstated.'As soon as the disclosure was made, our specialist officers acted swiftly to safeguard the child and begin a detailed investigation – which, in cases such as this one, can involve extensive enquiries over many months. Officers will painstakingly examine evidence from multiple sources to build the strongest possible case, while supporting vulnerable victims through the criminal justice process.‘This resulted in a significant number of charges being authorised and a custodial sentence for Milburn, with measures put in place to prevent him offending in the future.'We remain committed to protecting vulnerable people and will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts to be held accountable for their actions.'