Maidstone sex offender jailed for sharing indecent images of children

A sex offender from Maidstone has been jailed for sharing what the lead investigator described as the worst images and videos they had ever seen.

Alan Richens was sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment for distributing hundreds of indecent images of very young children on the Telegram app.

He will be subject to a 15 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following his release and remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

On 12 November 2025, Kent Police received information that the user of a social media account had uploaded indecent images of children to the internet.

Initial enquiries identified Richens as the perpetrator.

Officers forced entry to his home address in London Road, where they found him sleeping. He was arrested and subsequent searches led to the seizure of a mobile phone.

Digital forensic analysts reviewed the content on the device and found obscene Telegram messages between Richens and another account, in which they discussed child sexual abuse.

Throughout the conversation, the 51 year old shared more than 218 indecent images.

Investigators later discovered conversation threads of a similar theme with other Telegram users and Richens was charged with making indecent photographs of children and distributing indecent photographs of children.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 22 June 2026.

Police staff investigator, Abigail Beale, said:

‘Richens habitually engaged in obscene online conversations with other paedophiles, making and sharing the worst images and videos I have ever seen. ‘His heinous actions were carried out solely with his sexual gratification in mind. He bore no consideration for the welfare or wellbeing of the vulnerable children involved in the creation of the digital content he was consuming. ‘Following his release, Richens will be monitored closely to protect others from harm.’