KENNETH LEADBEATER'S SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN SOUTH DARENTH AND MAIDSTONE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of South Darenth and the wider Maidstone area, Kenneth Leadbeater, the former leader of Dartford Borough Council, was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order after admitting to serious charges related to child pornography.

Leadbeater, aged 50, appeared before magistrates in June, where he pleaded guilty to 14 counts of creating indecent images of children. The court was informed that police had discovered a disturbing collection of 320 images depicting boys on his personal computer during a search of his residence on Watermill Way, South Darenth. This evidence was presented at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, revealing the extent of his illegal activities.

As part of his sentencing, Leadbeater's name will be added to the sex offenders' register for a period of five years. The court also mandated that he participate in a specialized programme designed for sex offenders, aiming to address underlying issues and prevent future offenses. Additionally, a strict order was imposed, granting police the authority to inspect any computer or digital device he owns up to four times annually over the next three years to ensure compliance and monitor for any further illegal activity.

Prosecution lawyer Tanya Robinson explained to the court that Leadbeater committed these offenses primarily for personal gratification. She described his actions as stemming from an