Canterbury child sex offender handed extended sentence

An extended sentence has been imposed on a man who committed sexual offences against two boys.

Karl Kennett sexually assaulted a boy of primary school age at an address in the Canterbury area in 2020. The victim later reported the incident to his parents, who contacted Kent Police.

Officers were later made aware of separate, earlier offences against another victim, who was of a similar age to the first victim at the time the incidents took place.

Kennett denied the offences but was convicted of sexual assault against a child and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Jailed

The 28-year-old, of Canterbury, was jailed for seven years on Tuesday 9 August 2022 and ordered to serve an extra three years on licence following his release.

He was also made the subject of a 12-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to prevent any further offending in future.

The first offences took place more than six years ago, at an address in the Canterbury area. The second victim was then sexually assaulted at another address in the district in 2020. Kennett was arrested in April that year, a week after the offences were first reported.

Protecting victims

Detective Constable Rebecca Keeler, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said: ‘I would like to praise the bravery of these two young victims, and their families, for reporting these offences and supporting the prosecution.

‘Kennett refused to admit what he had done, forcing the matter to a trial and prolonging the impact on the victims. I am pleased the case we put together has led to guilty verdicts and that this dangerous man is now serving a significant sentence.’