Chatham child molester sentenced to 22 years in prison after six-year crime

A child molester has been in prison for 22 years.

Paedophile Billy Ward was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault on a young victim under the age of 13 between January 2016 and October 2022.

The 40-year-old, of Castle Road, Chatham, had charges dismissed following his arrest last year but was found guilty by a jury.

He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, suspended for five years, at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Ward was also given a sexual violence prevention order that will remain in force for 35 years.

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Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Othen, of Kent Police’s Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: “Ward deliberately and continuously committed offences against a vulnerable young child over a period of six years.

“His crimes are among the worst I have seen during my time working on this team and I really want to commend the victim’s bravery.

“The child not only reported his crime but also appeared in court and read his victim impact statement in person, a step that required great courage.

“I hope that the outcome of this case will allow them to come to terms with their past and find the closure they need to move forward.”