Daniel Noelken was arrested after a child rape report was made in Thanet. When officers searched his home, they discovered hard drives containing evidence of additional abuse against other boys and girls via social media sites.
On 15 February 2019, Kent Police received a report that Noelkin had sexually abused a child the day before, prompting Noelkin’s arrest later that day.
The victim’s clothing contained Noelken’s DNA, according to forensic testing.
Officers searched the 23-year-address old’s in Whitefriars Meadow, Sandwich, and discovered computer hard drives with folders named after different children. They all contained obscene images of children. The extent of Noelken’s wrongdoing became clear as officers identified and spoke with each child.
Each victim provided similar evidence of being contacted on social media by Noelken. He pretended to be a child and persuaded them to send naked photos before persistently asking for more. If they refused or attempted to block him, he would threaten to contact their friends.
On 3 April 2020, Noelken was charged with multiple child abuse offences in East Kent, as well as attempting to facilitate further offences in Manchester.
He admitted 14 charges in court and was found guilty of four more.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, July 22, 2022. He will also serve an additional four years on probation and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life.
‘We commend all of the victims who spoke to us and left the court in no doubt as to the severity of Noelken’s predatory offending,’ said investigating officer Detective Constable Sue Kingsnorth.
‘We have a team dedicated to investigating child abuse and ensuring that those who try to exploit children are apprehended and prosecuted.’
‘If anyone has any suspicions that a child is being abused, we urge them to report it so that the child can receive the help and protection that they deserve.’
