Steven Moore

In late 2017, Steven Moore, an East Malling resident, targeted a vulnerable woman during a night out at the former Rising Sun pub in Mill Street, East Malling. The victim, who had previously engaged in casual conversation with Moore through a mutual acquaintance, encountered him again that evening. After consuming several drinks together, the woman became heavily intoxicated and confused.

Moore took advantage of her state, accompanying her to a nearby residential property where she blacked out. She awoke to find Moore raping her. The assault was not reported to Kent Police until March 2023, leading to Moore's arrest at that time. Now aged 67 and residing on Stickens Lane in East Malling, Moore was charged with rape and entered a not guilty plea.

The case proceeded to trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where a jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict. On 7 November 2025, Moore was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for his calculated exploitation and abuse of the victim. Detective Sergeant Mike Williams of Kent Police commented on the case, stating: 'Steven Moore deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman, exploiting her trust and intoxicated state to subject her to a truly horrific ordeal. His actions were clearly calculated and the impact on the victim has been profound.' Williams further praised the victim's courage in coming forward despite the passage of time, emphasising that reports of sexual abuse are always taken seriously by Kent Police, regardless of when the offence occurred.

This incident underscores the profound effects of sexual offences on victims and the importance of timely justice. The prosecution was handled by Kent Police, with the trial occurring at Maidstone Crown Court. The source for this information is the official Kent Police news release dated 10 November 2025.