EDWARD WATSON

JAIL SENTENCE FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE CRIMES

A man from Margate has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of abusing a child over a period of seven years.

Edward Watson, who previously lived on Garrard Avenue in Margate, began offending in 1990 when he was approximately 13 years old and the victim was even younger.

Over nearly a decade, he repeatedly carried out sexual assaults, often confining the victim in a room during the assaults.

The allegations became known in September 2023 when the victim confided in a trusted family member, who then advised them to contact Kent Police.

Following this disclosure, detectives quickly initiated an investigation, resulting in Watson’s arrest within three days.

Watson faced 12 charges related to sexual offences, including gross indecency, indecent assault, and unlawful sexual activity.

He denied all allegations, but after a 10-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court, he was convicted on all counts.

On March 5, 2026, the 49-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison.

Additionally, he will be on the sex offenders register for life, and a restraining order was put in place to ensure the victim's protection.