Guilty of more than a dozen child sex offences.

Swanley Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Sex Offences

A Swanley man, Luke Wallace, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of more than a dozen child sex offences. Wallace was responsible for a catalogue of repeated abuse, including multiple rapes. He used threats to ensure his young victim didn't tell anyone about the abuse.

Allegations of abuse were first made to Kent Police on June 14, 2022, and Wallace was arrested the same day. An investigation by the West Kent Child Protection Team revealed that he had persistently targeted the victim over a period of three to four years.

Following Wallace's arrest, officers seized several devices, including a mobile phone. This phone contained a secure folder with illegal images of children. During police interviews, Wallace dismissed all the allegations. He also denied taking or downloading the images found on his phone, claiming it must have been due to 'someone else'.

At Wood Green Crown Court, Wallace, 36, pleaded not guilty to a total of 16 child sex offences. The case went to trial, and he was found guilty of four counts of rape, four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault. Wallace was also convicted of four charges related to making and taking indecent images of a child.

A jury returned a verdict of not guilty for a further two counts of rape. Judge Alexander Jacobs deemed Wallace a 'dangerous' offender. On December 18, 2023, he received an extended sentence of 17 years' imprisonment with an additional four years on licence. He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial sentence before he can apply for parole. Wallace was also added to the sex offenders' register indefinitely.