A 27-year-old Maidstone man has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after a police dog played a crucial role in detecting minute DNA evidence invisible to the human eye. Lloyd Cundall, of Brenchley Road, groomed a teenage victim online, luring her to secluded locations near Quarry Road where he plied her with drugs and alcohol before coercing her into sexual acts.
Cundall’s predatory behaviour, which involved offering the victim cocaine, cannabis, nitrous oxide, and alcohol, culminated in his arrest on September 24, 2024. During the subsequent investigation, detectives, aided by Police Dog Belle, were able to identify crucial DNA evidence at one of the crime scenes that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
This breakthrough led to Cundall being charged with eight counts of sexual activity with a child. He later pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.
At his sentencing on May 21, 2025, Cundall received a custodial sentence of seven and a half years. Upon his release, he will be subject to an extended licence period of four years and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) lasting 15 years, aiming to protect the public from further harm.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Laura Bowness, said:
‘A lengthy custodial sentence is fitting of Cundall’s abhorrent crimes against a vulnerable young girl. He committed vile acts on his victim after plying her with drugs and alcohol to ensure compliance with his demands, with no thought to her physical, mental, psychological or emotional wellbeing.
‘He has maintained a complete lack of remorse for his actions throughout the entire investigation and court process.
‘Thanks to the victim’s support and for her timely reporting, detectives managed to secure crucial evidence for the case.
‘Adverse weather conditions initially left officers concerned evidence may have been washed away, but PD Belle was easily able to indicate where the offence took place.
‘We are so grateful for the victim’s bravery in speaking out about her ordeal and hope that Cundall’s imprisonment brings her some closure.’