Margate child sex offender jailed for 28 years after abusing five children
Duncan Bayles sentenced following conviction for multiple offences dating back to the 1980s
Duncan Bayles, a child sex offender formerly from Northdown Road, Margate, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for crimes against five young victims starting in the 1980s.
Kent Police's investigation began in June 2019 after a man came forward with reports that Bayles had abused him multiple times during his childhood.
The investigation uncovered similarly distressing accounts from three other male victims who reported being manipulated, bribed, and sexually assaulted.
Bayles, 65, faced charges of gross indecency, indecent assault, and attempted rape, totaling 19 offences.
He was arrested on 18th August 2020 and later found guilty on 24th October 2024 after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
Subsequent court proceedings prompted a woman to report abuse by Bayles during her childhood.
As a result, Bayles faced an additional 17 charges, including child rape, and was convicted on all counts by a unanimous jury verdict on 15th January 2026.
He received his sentence at the same court on 6th February 2026 and will spend an additional two years on licence after his custodial sentence ends.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order will restrict his actions for life.
Detective Constable Pete Edwards expressed praise for the courage of Bayles’ victims in coming forward and remaining steadfast throughout the legal process.
Edwards said: "This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice."
Kent Police has committed to supporting abuse survivors, pursuing offenders regardless of the time elapsed, and hopes Bayles' conviction provides closure for his victims.