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A “depraved” paedophile who sexually abused vulnerable children has been jailed for 23 years.
Matthew Smith, from Sittingbourne, was charged with multiple offences against children including rape, sexual touching and sexual communication with a child after contacting another victim online.
The 39-year-old was convicted of 32 charges following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, January 24, after he had pleaded not guilty.
During the case, it was revealed Smith’s offending started in 2008 and he went on to target four victims over subsequent years.
In 2020, one of his victims disclosed their ordeal to a trusted third party and then contacted the police.
Further victims were later identified as the investigation progressed and Smith was arrested on March 1, 2020.
He was given an extended sentence of 31 years for his crimes. This includes a custodial period of 23 years of which he will have to serve two-thirds before he is eligible for parole.
On his release, Smith, will have to serve a further eight years on licence. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.
Detective Constable Robert Hughes said: “Smith is a truly depraved individual who has targeted young children for his own sexual gratification.
“Once his offending had come to light, Smith refused to admit his guilt at court and put the victims through the ordeal of a trial.
“I would like to thank his victims who have shown incredible courage by coming forward and disclosing the appalling abuse they suffered.
“They have ensured this criminal is now serving a lengthy prison sentence and can no longer harm any other vulnerable children.”