A Dartford man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children over more than three decades. Steven Franklin, 71, of Montgomery Road, South Darenth, was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of 10 sexual offences, including five counts of rape.
The court heard how Kent Police launched an investigation into Franklin following allegations that he had subjected a child to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse. During this complex investigation, officers discovered a second victim, who had suffered abuse by Franklin in the 1970s and endured over a decade of exploitation.
Franklin was charged with multiple offences in August 2023 and pleaded not guilty to all counts. However, after a trial, the jury unanimously convicted him. He was sentenced on November 14 and must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole.
Detective Constable James McClelland praised the bravery of the victims, stating, “Franklin persistently and repeatedly assaulted his victims in the most vile manner for his own selfish gratification, showing no remorse and forcing them to endure a lengthy trial.”
DC McClelland added, “I hope that Franklin’s lengthy jail term brings some comfort to his victims. Kent Police takes all reports of this nature seriously, and we encourage any victims of such crimes to come forward, knowing we will pursue justice, no matter how long ago the offence occurred.”
Franklin’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a difficult legal process for the victims, who were commended for their courage in coming forward to report the abuse.
