Dangerous Sex Offender Jailed for 14 Years Over Child Abuse
A prolific sex offender has been slammed with a 14-year prison sentence after admitting horrific offences against five children under ten. Michael Funnell, 31, was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court of rape and nine counts of child sexual assault.
Abuse Spanned Years in Kent Towns
The vile attacks happened between 2016 and 2019 in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford. Funnell, formerly from Crownfield Road, Ashford, was arrested in October 2019 after two separate Kent Police investigations uncovered evidence, including abusive images on his phone.
Multiple Charges and Dangerous Offender Label
- Rape and nine counts of sexual assault of a child
- Two counts of making indecent images of children
- Three breaches of a sexual offences prevention order
- Two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements
On April 28, 2020, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC branded Funnell a “dangerous offender” and sentenced him to 14 years behind bars, plus an extended five-year licence. He must serve at least two-thirds of his term before parole applies and faces an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
“Experience tells us that the effects of this abuse is likely to blight the lives of these children as they grow up. I have no hesitation in concluding that you pose a significant risk of serious harm by committing further offences. You must be categorised as a dangerous offender,” the judge said.
Police Praise Child Victims’ Bravery
Detective Constable Deniz Aslan of the Paedophile Online Investigation Team said: “Funnell is a dangerous and manipulative individual. There is no doubt he would have continued to offend and posed a serious threat to children. He has shown no remorse or understanding of the profound harm sexual abuse causes.”
“It is reassuring he now faces a long prison term. I commend the tremendous bravery of the young victims who helped bring him to justice.”
