Sex Offender Jailed for Creepy Attempt to Meet Boy in Maidstone
A convicted sex offender has been locked up after trying to meet a teenage boy in Maidstone for vile reasons using dating and social media apps.
Perv Bombards Teen with Filthy Messages
Kevin Scarnell, 59, relentlessly targeted a teenage boy on a dating app between 28 March and 24 April 2025. He bombarded the youngster with graphic sexual messages, explicit photos, and videos. The depraved predator even shared sick details about his sexual preferences.
Scarnell pushed to meet the boy in a secluded car park on the outskirts of Maidstone. Excited about the meet-up, he even got a haircut to “look sharp.”
Police Catch Scarnell Red-Handed
On 25 April, Scarnell travelled all the way from Camden, London, to Maidstone. Police on patrol spotted his suspiciously circling blue Ford Fiesta in a West Park Road car park. When questioned, Scarnell couldn’t explain why he was there. Officers arrested him on the spot and seized his phone.
He initially denied any wrongdoing but later pled guilty to multiple charges, including arranging sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to watch sexual material.
Justice Served: Prison and Strict Order
On 16 October at Maidstone Crown Court, Scarnell was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars. He was also hit with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from any further predatory behaviour.
“Scarnell acted with complete disregard for anything other than his own sexual gratification,” said investigating officer DC Andrew Hunter.
“While he initially claimed he arranged the meeting to dissuade his target from engaging in sexual activity, a thorough investigation uncovered his true intent.”
“A custodial sentence, alongside the conditions of his SHPO, means Scarnell will be prevented from continuing his predatory behaviour.”
