Kenneth Clark targeted victims as young as three years old, during a period of repeated and systematic offending between 2016 and 2019. Clark made ‘pinky promises’ with at least two of the children in order to keep the abuse secret. However, he was arrested in January 2019 after one of them confided in a relative and police were alerted. Formerly of Chapman Avenue, Maidstone, Clark denied any wrongdoing and the case went to trial at Maidstone Crown Court. After a trial, he was convicted of 18 counts including rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, causing or enticing a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of children. The court heard that Clark’s actions had ‘taken away the childhoods’ of his victims and caused damage to relationships in their families. The judge, Recorder Simon Stirling added that the abuse had led to nightmares, depression and had an impact on the victims’ education and ability to form friendships and have physical contact. Clark, now aged 65, was sentenced on Friday 18 March 2022. As well as the 20-year prison sentence he was given an additional licence period of one year. He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and added to the sex offenders register, both for indefinite periods. Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Dan Williams, who said: ‘Clark repeatedly subjected his victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives. He is a dangerous, calculated and callous sexual predator who has also sought to apportion blame upon his victims and forced them and their families to endure a harrowing trial. ‘Thanks largely to the tremendous bravery of these victims, justice has at least now been served. This sentence will ensure Clark serves a long time in prison and importantly no longer poses a threat to any other children.’
