A convicted sex offender has been locked up after trying to meet a boy in Maidstone for vile reasons using dating and social media apps.
Perv Bombarded Teen with Filthy Messages
Kevin Scarnell, 59, relentlessly messaged a teenage boy on a dating app between 28 March and 24 April 2025. He flooded the youngster with graphic sexual messages, explicit images, and videos. The depraved criminal even shared details of his sexual preferences.
Scarnell pushed to meet the boy in a car park on Maidstone's outskirts. When plans were set, the sex pest gushed about being "excited" and got a haircut to "look sharp" before the meet-up.
Caught Red-Handed by Police Patrols
On 25 April, Scarnell travelled from Camden, London, to Maidstone. Police on patrol spotted his blue Ford Fiesta suspiciously circling a West Park Road car park. When he couldn't explain why he was there, officers arrested him and seized his phone.
Scarnell first denied any wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty to arranging sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to watch sexual activity.
Justice Served: Jail and Restrictions
On 16 October at Maidstone Crown Court, Scarnell was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. He was also slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), blocking him from further predatory acts.
"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."
