A Marden man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a child.
Michael Numan, 58, from Marden, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to four counts of child sexual abuse. The abuse occurred in April 2023 and involved repeated offences against a young victim over a few hours.
During the abuse, Numan attempted to manipulate the child by claiming they were in a “special relationship” and warning them not to disclose the abuse to anyone.
The victim bravely confided in family members, leading to Numan’s arrest shortly after the abuse occurred.
At the sentencing hearing on January 20, 2025, Judge Catherine Moore described the devastating impact of Numan’s actions on the victim and their family. Numan was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison.
Detective Constable Emma Coghlan said:
‘Michael Numan abused trust shown in him in the worst possible way, in order to exploit a child for his own gratification. Sex offenders like Numan cause incalculable damage, stealing their victim’s innocence and childhood.
‘He now has to pay the price and hopefully this prison sentence will give him time to fully comprehend the devastating impact of his abhorrent behaviour. When he is eventually released from prison he will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order containing strict measures to reduce the risk of him reoffending in future.’