Maidstone Crown Court Library image
A man from East Malling has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the horrific rape and abuse of a child, a campaign that included injecting the victim with drugs.
Lee Balchin, 55, repeatedly preyed on the child between 2000 and 2004, using various secluded locations, including remote “hideouts,” to commit his crimes. The court heard disturbing evidence of Balchin’s actions, which included multiple rapes and forcing the young victim to consume various substances. An investigation by Kent Police, launched after the offences were reported in 2018, revealed Balchin regularly plied the child with drugs, including injecting her with amphetamine and forcing the consumption of cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets, and alcohol. These substances and alcohol would sometimes leave the helpless victim nearly unconscious.
Balchin, from East Malling, initially denied all wrongdoing. However, following a trial in August 2025, he was found guilty of two counts of rape and two further counts of indecent assault. On Monday, October 13, 2025, Balchin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 15 years’ imprisonment. He must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before being considered for parole.