Matthew Jenkins, a 34-year-old man from Gravesend, has been sentenced to an extended 26-year sentence for multiple child sex offences, including rape. Jenkins, of St George’s Crescent, was arrested in August 2021 after reports surfaced that he had targeted young victims over a six-year period from 2015 to 2021.

During the investigation, Kent Police seized Jenkins’ mobile devices and computers, uncovering over 350 indecent images and videos of children, some classified in the most serious category. Jenkins was subsequently charged with multiple offences and pleaded guilty to all counts at Woolwich Crown Court.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Jenkins received an 18-year prison term, of which he must serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for parole. Following his release, he will serve an additional eight years on licence.

Detective Constable Jack Evans, who led the investigation, stated, “Jenkins is a manipulative predator who abused young children for his own sexual gratification. His depraved actions will have a lasting impact on the victims, and I would like to commend their courage in reporting the abuse to the police. I hope the fact that he is now serving a lengthy sentence allows those he targeted to move on from their appalling ordeal.”