An investigation was launched after a 15-year-old girl bravely spoke to police
A man from Ashford has been charged with multiple child sex offences after police investigated reports that a 15-year-old girl had been approached for sex.
The teenager bravely came forward to police in January 2025 and specialist detectives launched an investigation.
This led to an arrest being made in the town centre on March 3. Following the completion of further enquiries, Mark South, of Beaver Road in Ashford was charged with two counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child on Tuesday, December 2.
The 38-year-old was additionally charged with multiple child sex offences in relation to an investigation led by Wiltshire Police, with whom Kent Police collaborated throughout.
South appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 3 and he is next due to appear before Swindon Crown Court on January 16 2026.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Stevenson said:’We are committed to tackling child sexual exploitation, which can involve young people being targeted by abusers in person, or online using technology such as webcams and picture-sharing platforms.
“Anyone who suspects that they are being targeted, or that a young person might be at risk, should come forward and report their concerns to police, so that we can investigate and ensure appropriate action is taken.”
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