A sex offender has been jailed after targeting a child on the Isle of Sheppey following an investigation launched into Joseph Hatton after his victim disclosed they had been indecently touched in the past.
Hatton was arrested on 27 September 2025 and a review of his mobile phone uncovered hundreds of indecent images of children.
The 40 year old was later charged with multiple offences including sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images.
Hatton, from Eastchurch, denied the allegations but was convicted of all counts by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court. At the same court on Wednesday 29 July 2026, he was sentenced to 6 years and 10 months’ imprisonment. Hatton will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Investigating Officer Detective Constable Robert Hughes said:
‘Hatton’s vile crimes have had a significant impact on his young victim, and his denials to the jury have only added to their trauma. I would like to commend their courage in coming forward and supporting the case against him.
‘Hatton’s possession of indecent images show he remains a risk to children and it is quite right he is now behind bars. His conduct will be restricted by a court order when he is eventually released and any breaches will lead to his immediate arrest.’