Duncan Bayles was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the historic offences.

10:48, Thu, Feb 12, 2026 Updated: 10:50, Thu, Feb 12, 2026

Duncan

Duncan Bayles was jailed in relation to crimes committed against five children (Image: Kent Police)

A child sex offender who threatened to harm a victim’s pet if she reported him has been jailed for 28 years. Duncan Bayles from Margate was found guilty of sexually abusing five children from the 1980s onwards in October.

Kent Police launched a specialist investigation in June 2019 after a man came forward to report how Bayles had abused him on several occasions when he was a boy. Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence was obtained. It was established that a further three men had also been preyed upon while they were children. The young victims were sexually assaulted, manipulated, bribed with gifts in return for carrying out sexual acts and groomed to believe that Bayles’ behaviour was normal.

Bayles, 65, was arrested on August 18, 2020 and was later charged with 19 offences in relation to the reports, including gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted rape.

Having denied the offences, Bayles was found guilty of all charges on October 24, 2024, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The court case relating to the young male victims led to a woman approaching Kent Police to report that the offender had also abused her as a child.

He threatened to harm the girl’s pets if she told anyone about him and made her think that she would not be believed if she reported his depravity.

Detectives launched a separate investigation, which resulted in Bayles facing an additional 17 charges, including four counts of child rape.

Police siren at accident or crime scene

Kent Police launched an investigation in 2019 (Image: Getty)

Bayles again pleaded not guilty. A further trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, resulting in his conviction on all counts in a unanimous jury verdict on January 15, 2026.

The depraved abuser will spend a further two years on licence at the end of the custodial period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Detective Constable Pete Edwards said: “This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice.

“It is never too late to report a crime and Kent Police remains committed to supporting survivors of abuse, listening to them and pursuing offenders no matter how much time has passed.

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“We recognise the impact that these horrific crimes have had on Bayles’ victims, and hope they will find some closure, knowing that this dangerous criminal is now behind bars. 

“The restrictions to which he must adhere at the end of his long custodial period, which will remain in place for the rest of his life, will further protect against him reoffending and safeguard future potential victims.”