Tunbridge Wells pensioner jailed for child sex abuse

By Alicia Lloyd

Mark Humphreys has been jailed for 18 years for sexually abusing children as young as three.

Humphreys, of Cherry Tree Road, targeted children as young as three, he carried out the offences in his family home in Tunbridge Wells and in Sleaford, Sussex.

He would give his victims biscuits or milk after abusing them, whilst warning them not to tell anyone.

He was arrested after one of his victims came forward in March 2015, after the victim claimed that as well as sexual abuse he would also beat her, leaving marks down her legs.

Humphreys, now 80, was charged with three counts of sexual abuse of children under the age of 16.

Humphreys denied two charges of rape, five counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child at Maidstone Crown Court.

Detective Constable Claire Bassett of Kent Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation Team said: ‘Humphreys repeatedly subjected his victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young and later adult lives.

‘He is a dangerous sexual predator who also lied about his crimes and forced his victims to endure a harrowing trial, but who thankfully has now finally been punished.

‘Thanks largely to the tremendous bravery of his victims, justice has now been served and Humphreys will serve a long time in prison. I would like to personally thank them all for having the courage to come forward and ensure this man no longer poses a threat to any other children.’