East Malling sex offender who injected child with drugs jailed for 15 years
An East Malling sex offender who subjected a child to shocking abuse over several years has been jailed for fifteen years.
Fifty-five year old Lee Balchin was found guilty of multiple rapes and indecent assaults including injecting his child victim with drugs and force consuming ecstasy tablets and alcohol.
The abuse happened between 2000 and 2004 but Balchin was only arrested in 2018.
Officers say the victim’s bravery in coming forward was vital in bringing him to justice.
Balchin carried out the abuse in several locations, which included ‘hideouts’ in remote places, says police.
An investigation revealed he regularly plied the child with drugs, which included injecting her with amphetamine.
The substances and alcohol would sometime render his helpless victim almost unconscious.
Balchin, 55, of Carnation Close, East Malling was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.
A lengthy court process led to a trial in August 2025 when he was found guilty of two charges of rape and two further counts of indecent assault.
On Monday 13 October 2025, Balchin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 15 years' imprisonment.
Detective Constable Lisa Roots said: ‘Balchin is an extremely dangerous individual who subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing catalogue of appalling and terrifying abuse."
"It is certainly rare to encounter a case where an offender has demonstrated levels of such callous depravity. He took her to isolated areas where he knew he wouldn’t be disturbed and also made threats to kill her.
"The impact of Balchin’s offending is incalculable, and yet the victim has summoned such tremendous courage to come forward. Their strength has been instrumental in helping us bring him to justice and I do hope this sentence will provide some comfort."