EDWARD DALTON'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN CLACTON, SEVENOAKS, AND STROOD: DECADES OF HORROR REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has spanned over forty years, Edward Dalton, a man with a long history of sexual offenses, faces the grim prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars. Dalton, now 65 years old, was convicted of multiple serious sexual crimes committed against five young boys, with the earliest offenses dating back to his teenage years. His criminal activities took place across various locations, including his hometown of Strood, as well as Clacton and Sevenoaks, where he resided during the time of his offending.

Dalton’s criminal history was laid bare in Maidstone Crown Court, where it was revealed that he had admitted to 12 counts of serious sexual offenses and one count of indecent assault. Despite his admissions, he denied seven other charges, which included two counts of indecency with a child and one of indecent assault. These denials left those allegations on the court record, but the admitted offenses paint a disturbing picture of a man who exploited his position and influence over vulnerable children.

Born in Strood, Dalton was a merchant seaman by profession. His offending began when he was just 17 years old, and it continued even after he married and became a father. His first known victim was only 12 years old when Dalton lured him to a remote location and subjected him to sexual assault. On a subsequent occasion, Dalton repeated this heinous act. One of the victims attempted to resist, pushing Dalton away when he tried to abuse him again, and even reported the incident. However, Dalton was initially branded a liar, and the case did not lead to immediate conviction. As the victim grew older, at 12 years old, Dalton raped him multiple times, often coercing him with threats or physical gestures, such as holding his arm behind his back.

Another victim described Dalton as “the life and soul of the party,” a charismatic and influential figure among children. This perception was exploited by Dalton, who took the boy into the woods and engaged in sexual acts with him. A third young boy recounted being called into a garage where Dalton, described as “a big strong man,” assaulted him while claiming, “This is what happens in love.” Dalton’s abuse was repeated approximately 30 times with this victim, illustrating a pattern of predatory behavior.

The final victim attempted to resist Dalton’s advances when he approached him naked, but was pushed away before any sexual act could occur. Throughout the court proceedings, Dalton’s defense highlighted his age and the fact that he had pleaded guilty to the charges, which the judge acknowledged as the only mitigating factor. Judge Michael Carroll emphasized the severity of Dalton’s crimes, describing them as “a catalogue of sexual predatory offending.”

Dalton’s health was also a significant factor in the sentencing. The court was informed that he suffers from serious illnesses, including emphysema and asbestosis, and relies on a wheelchair. His lawyer, Barry Gilbert, told the judge that Dalton’s life expectancy was “pretty short,” and that unless a very lenient sentence was imposed, he would likely die in prison. The judge took this into account when sentencing Dalton to 14 years in prison, with the understanding that he would be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. It was also noted that Dalton was unlikely to be released until he had served at least two-thirds of his sentence, given the nature of his crimes and his ongoing risk to the public.

Throughout the proceedings, the court heard about Dalton’s troubled past, including his struggles with alcohol, which contributed to his unpredictable and unpleasant behavior when intoxicated. His offending was linked to his personal issues and his manipulative personality, which he used to exploit the trust and innocence of his young victims. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims, who have had to live with the trauma of Dalton’s abuse for decades. The court’s decision aims to ensure that Dalton remains behind bars for as long as possible, given the gravity of his offenses and the danger he poses to society.