STEPHEN RILLEY

"EVIL" MARGATE CHILD RAPIST STEPHEN RILLEY JAILED FOR 19 YEARS

A convicted sex offender who subjected a child to sustained abuse in Margate has received a 19-year prison sentence.

Stephen Rilley, 63, of Hastings Avenue, Margate, was found guilty of numerous offenses after a Kent Police inquiry launched in January 2025, following the victim’s report.

The investigation revealed that Rilley used threats of violence to control the victim and frequently administered sleeping medications to sustain the abuse, which lasted almost two decades.

Rilley pleaded guilty in August 2025 to 11 charges, which included multiple counts of rape.

On 16 October 2025, he was sentenced to 19 years in prison, with an additional three-year extension on licence under an extended sentence.

He will also remain subject to lifetime registration on the sex offenders list.

Detective Constable Chris Radley stated, “The sentence reflects the severity of the offenses and the prolonged suffering caused to the victim.

I am pleased that justice has been achieved in this distressing case.

I also want to acknowledge the victim's courage in coming forward and staying involved throughout the investigation.”