Tonbridge Man Jailed for Life for Child Sexual Offences After Two Further Victims Come Forward

Kent Police posted details of the case on social media following sentencing, noting that the two victims had reported their experiences after discovering Link had already faced justice for abuse against a separate child. The force described their decision to report as an act of courage.

What the Court Said

Maidstone Crown Court described Link as predatory and dangerous, according to details of the case published after sentencing. The decision to impose a life sentence reflected both the seriousness of the individual offences and the persistence of the offending across multiple victims over time.

Kent Police described Link’s conduct as depraved and sickening, and noted the long-term harm caused to those he abused. The force did not name the victims, in line with the legal protections afforded to complainants in sexual offence cases.

The Pattern of Historic Abuse

The offences are understood to be historic in nature, involving repeated child sexual abuse carried out over a period of time in Kent. Two victims came forward only after Link’s initial conviction became known to them, illustrating the delayed disclosure that is common in cases of this kind. Both reported their abuse to police after learning through the publicising of the earlier conviction that they were not alone.

Kent Police are the lead force responsible for investigating the offences and supporting the victims involved. The force publicised the case after sentencing with the stated intention of encouraging any further victims who may not yet have come forward to do so.

Appeal to Potential Further Victims

Kent Police have stated that there may be others in the county who were affected by Link’s behaviour but have not yet reported it. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Michael Link, or who has information relevant to the case, is asked to contact Kent Police directly. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Support for survivors of sexual abuse is available through the NHS and through specialist organisations including the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, which can be reached on 0808 801 0331.

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Key Facts

• Michael Link, 72, of Tonbridge, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years after being convicted of 19 child sexual offences, including rape, at Maidstone Crown Court.
• Two additional victims came forward after Kent Police publicised Link’s earlier conviction, leading to further charges and contributing to the life sentence imposed.
• Link has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and will be subject to indefinite supervision following any future release.

Further Information for Those Affected

The case has direct relevance to the Tonbridge area and the wider Kent community, given that Link lived locally and the abuse affected victims in the county. Kent Police have indicated that there may be further individuals who experienced abuse at Link’s hands but have not yet come forward, and the force has made a public appeal for any such people to make contact. Anyone in Kent who believes they may have been affected can report to Kent Police, make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or seek confidential support through the National Association for People Abused in Childhood on 0808 801 0331 or through NHS talking therapies services available via a GP referral.