A Medway rapist whose offending was disclosed by a young victim to a school worker has been jailed for 16 years. George Payne-Woodham, formerly of Grange Road, Gillingham, was found guilty of multiple offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
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It was reported to Kent Police on 26 September 2024 that a child had told a member of school staff that they had been subjected to sexual abuse over several years.
Specialist detectives from the force launched an immediate investigation and Payne-Woodham was arrested later that day. On 28 September 2024, he was charged.
The offender, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted on all counts by a jury of child rape, inciting a child into sexual activity and sexual assault of a child.
On Friday 12 September 2025, Payne-Woodham, 21, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will have to serve at least two thirds of the custodial period before he is eligible for parole. Under the terms of an extended sentence, he will spend a further four years on license when he is released. He will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and restrictions imposed by a 25 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Conor Middleton said:
‘Payne-Woodham is an abhorrent criminal who subjected a young victim to appalling sexual abuse on numerous occasions. I’m pleased he has received a lengthy sentence and that restrictions are in place to prevent further innocent children from becoming victims. I must praise the courage of the young victim in this case, whose disclosure to a trusted adult meant that we were able to investigate and bring to justice a dangerous sexual predator.’