Ramsgate man sentenced to over 20 years for historic child abuse
Victims of sexual assault win justice decades later
A Ramsgate man has been jailed for 21 years for a series of historic sexual offences committed nearly 30 years ago.
John Sladden, 72, targeted three young girls over several years in a campaign of sexual abuse that went unreported until March 2024.
Two victims came forward to Kent Police together, revealing that Sladden had sexually assaulted them as children on multiple occasions.
A third victim later informed officers that she had endured prolonged sexual abuse by Sladden throughout her childhood.
Detectives determined that the offences occurred from the late 1990s into the early 2000s, prompting a comprehensive investigation into the historical crimes.
Sladden was arrested and charged with numerous sexual offences.
Following a four-week trial at Canterbury Crown Court, a jury found Sladden guilty of 11 child sexual offences on 11th June 2026.
He was sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment at the same court on Friday, 3rd July 2026.
Detective Constable Susan Kingsnorth said:
"This was a complex investigation into multiple reports of historic sexual abuse, and I am pleased that our specialist team was able to secure justice for the victims. Sladden’s abuse of these three women has had a devastating and lasting impact on their lives, and I hope this conviction can provide them with some comfort.
"I hope this outcome encourages other victims who have suffered sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and supported."