Increased Sentence for Dartford Man Convicted of Multiple Sexual Offences
Liam Ross, a 29-year-old resident of Dartford, Kent, has had his prison sentence extended by three years, bringing it to a total of 15 years, along with an additional year of licence. This decision came after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The Court was informed that Ross had met his 16-year-old victim through social media, subsequently pursuing a sexual relationship that involved multiple encounters, during which he would provide her with money. Despite receiving a police warning regarding the dangers of his behaviour following a prior incident, Ross remained undeterred, continuing his criminal activities.
In a particularly alarming episode in April 2025, Ross raped the victim while she was unconscious after consuming alcohol. In another disturbing incident in May 2025, he supplied both the 16-year-old and a 12-year-old girl with alcohol before engaging in sexual activities with them. This included the rape of the younger victim, during which he recorded the abuse, subsequently offering them money.
Evidence and Victim Impact
Upon his arrest, law enforcement discovered indecent images of children and video recordings related to the offences committed in May 2025 on Ross’s mobile phone. The impact of his actions on the victims was conveyed in a personal statement from the mother of one of the girls, who revealed that her daughter now struggles with severe anxiety and depression, often feeling unsafe in her everyday life.
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP expressed her views on the case, stating: “Liam Ross is a sexual predator who exploited and raped two young girls. I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence following my referral. My thoughts are with the victims who have shown courage and bravery in coming forward. Violence against women and girls is a national epidemic, and stopping it remains my number one priority as Attorney General. I will continue to push for sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes.”
Final Sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court
On 2 March 2026, at Woolwich Crown Court, Liam Ross was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for a series of serious offences. These included one count of rape of a child under 13, one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of paying for sexual services of a child, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.
Following the Attorney General’s intervention, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case and, on 3 September 2026, increased Ross’s sentence to 15 years, reflecting the gravity of his actions.