ROY ARNOLD'S DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE IN CHATHAM: 38-YEAR CRIMINALITY REVEALED

In a case that has shocked the community of Chatham, Roy Arnold, a man with a long history of sexual offenses against children, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars. The disturbing revelations about Arnold’s actions, which spanned an astonishing 38 years, were brought to light during a court hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

Judge Jeremy Carey presided over the case and expressed his firm belief that Arnold’s actions had caused profound and lasting harm to his victims. The judge emphasized that Arnold showed no remorse or recognition of the damage he inflicted, stating, "He does not recognise that," and adding, "Nor do I gain the impression he is aware of the depraved criminality and harm he has inflicted."

Roy Arnold, aged 69 and residing on Chelmar Road in Chatham, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, eight counts of indecency with a child, three counts of indecent assault on a male, and two counts of sexual assault. The court was informed that these charges encompassed nearly every form of sexual abuse imaginable, illustrating the extent of Arnold’s misconduct.

Prosecutor Jonathan Higgs detailed that the abuse began in the 1960s, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over nearly four decades. Defense lawyer Robert O’Sullivan acknowledged the gravity of Arnold’s crimes, stating that there was little his client could do to atone for the harm caused, aside from accepting responsibility publicly in court. O’Sullivan remarked, “His guilty plea is probably his only significant mitigation to put before the court. He knows he will be in prison for a long time.”

The court heard that among the numerous offenses, the most severe was the repeated rape of a single victim, which was considered particularly egregious. As part of his sentence, Arnold was prohibited from being in the company of children unless an adult was present and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Judge Carey concluded that Arnold was likely to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.