80-year-old child sex offender from Tunbridge Wells jailed for over 20 years
Michael Merron sentenced for multiple child sex offences
An 80-year-old Michael Merron from Tunbridge Wells has been sentenced to a 24-year jail term for a series of child sex offences, following a four-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
Merron was found guilty of rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and indecent assault, with offences reported to have occurred between 2002 and 2014 involving three children.
The investigation into Merron's offences uncovered an additional victim, revealing that he had also sexually assaulted them between 1985 and 1986, when they were aged 18. The jury found him guilty of this offence as well.
The pensioner, formerly residing on Halls Hole Road, was sentenced on 30th April 2026. Alongside the 24-year sentence (23 years in custody and one year on licence), Merron was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Alice Comben commented on Merron's offences: “Merron was a predatory opportunist who carried out his offending when he was alone with each victim, ensuring they felt isolated and he felt in control.”
Comben praised the courage of the victims: “I want to commend the bravery of each victim. Their courage to disclose his offending has ensured his criminality has been exposed, and he will now spend a significant time behind bars.”
She also reassured victims of sexual abuse: "Anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, or wishes to report a suspected offender, can do so in the knowledge that specialist officers will thoroughly and diligently investigate any allegations."