Samuel Anifaloba

A convicted sex offender, Samuel Anifaloba, has been imprisoned for 17 years after targeting and abusing two young children in Medway, Kent. The offences, described by the court as 'vile', involved separate incidents of sexual abuse spanning a two-year period. Anifaloba, aged 49 and of no fixed address, was reported to Kent Police in 2018, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

The case proceeded to trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where Anifaloba was found guilty of rape and six additional sexual offences involving a child. Sentencing occurred on 14 May 2024, with His Honour Judge Branston condemning the defendant as a 'selfish and self-centred man'. The judge imposed a lifetime entry on the Sex Offenders’ Register and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the public from further harm.

• Offences committed: Rape and six other child sexual offences
• Duration of abuse: Two years
• Victims: Two children, now adults
• Court: Maidstone Crown Court
• Sentence date: 14 May 2024

Investigating officer Luke Grimmett from Kent Police commended the victims' bravery in reporting the crimes years later. 'Anifaloba subjected each child to vile abuse and I want to commend their bravery in coming forward to report his crimes,' Grimmett stated. He noted that the victims had taken time to come to terms with the trauma but hoped the conviction would allow them to move forward. Kent Police emphasised their support for victims of sexual offences, with specially trained officers handling such sensitive cases diligently, regardless of when the incidents occurred.

The conviction underscores the long-term impact of child sexual abuse, with Grimmett highlighting that Anifaloba's actions have left a lasting effect on his victims. This case was reported by Kent Live on 16 May 2024, based on details from Kent Police and court proceedings.