Marden paedophile jailed for sexually abusing child and telling her not to report crime

A man identified as Michael Numan, aged 58, from Seymour Drive, Marden, was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl over several hours in April 2023. During the abuse, he attempted to prevent the victim from reporting the crime by telling her they were in a "special relationship" which should not be disclosed. Following the abuse, which was repeatedly targeted and involved threats of a private relationship, the young girl confided in family members. Numan was arrested days later. He pleaded guilty to four charges related to child sexual abuse at Maidstone Crown Court. Judge Catherine Moore sentenced him to seven years and two months imprisonment, emphasizing that his actions caused devastation to the victim's family and had a profoundly damaging impact. Detective Constable Emma Coghlan commented on the severity of Numan's betrayal of trust, highlighting the incalculable damage caused by sex offenders. Upon release, Numan will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.